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Cottage cheese bowl with chicken, quinoa, and veggies on a kitchen table

Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce No Blender

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A creamy, protein-packed pasta sauce using cottage cheese—made smooth without a blender. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or healthy meal preps.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup full-fat or 2% small curd cottage cheese
  • 1/4 cup warm milk or reserved pasta water
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil)
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional)
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Optional mix-ins: wilted spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers

Instructions

  1. Place cottage cheese in a bowl and mash with a fork or whisk until smooth. For best results, push through a fine mesh strainer.
Hand assembling cottage cheese salad bowl with vegetables and seeds
Assembling a colorful veggie and cottage cheese bowl for a light lunch
  1. Warm the smoothed cottage cheese slightly to help mix evenly.
  2. Transfer to a saucepan over low heat and stir constantly to prevent curdling.
  3. Gradually add warm milk or pasta water, whisking to form a creamy sauce.
  4. Stir in garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  5. Add Parmesan and olive oil or butter if using, and stir until well combined and warmed through.
  6. Toss with cooked pasta of choice and serve immediately.
  7. Optional: Fold in roasted vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, or shredded chicken for a complete meal.

Notes

Use full-fat, small curd cottage cheese for best texture. Always warm gently to avoid curdling. This sauce is best served fresh but can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.

  • Author: Mark
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg