High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta with Tomato & Basil | Creamy Pasta Recipe without Heavy Cream
Author: 
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 2-3 Servings
 
Ingredients
  • Cottage cheese - 200 gms
  • Spaghetti - 300 gms
  • Olive oil - 2 tbsp
  • Garlic - 4-5 cloves, minced
  • Chilli flakes - ½ tsp
  • Tomato paste - 2 tbsp
  • Fresh basil leaves - 1 cup, loosely packed
  • Sun dried tomatoes - 6 to 7
  • Freshly grated cheese - 2 tbsp
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.
  2. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1½ cups of the pasta cooking water. Drain the remaining water and leave the pasta in a colander.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Do not overheat the olive oil.
  4. Add the minced garlic and chilli flakes and sauté gently for about 4 to 5 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant without browning.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until it darkens slightly and develops a rich, caramelized flavor.
  6. Pour in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and stir well to loosen the tomato paste into a smooth sauce.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes.
  8. Transfer the cooled tomato mixture to a blender. Add the cottage cheese, fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  9. Return the blended sauce to the skillet and warm it gently over medium-low heat until it begins to bubble.
  10. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss well using tongs until every strand is evenly coated.
  11. Gradually add more reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce reaches a silky consistency that lightly coats the pasta.
  12. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese according to your liking.
  13. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy!
Recipe by Flavor Quotient at https://flavorquotient.com/2026/08/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pasta/