Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is one of those rare dishes that strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. It’s creamy without being heavy, comforting without the guilt, and quick enough for a busy weeknight — yet impressive enough for guests. Packed with protein, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

If you love pasta dishes that feel luxurious but don’t weigh you down, this is the recipe for you. The cottage cheese melts into a silky sauce that hugs every strand of pasta with just the right amount of richness. Plus, it’s a fantastic base for whatever fresh veggies, proteins, or herbs you have lying around. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along.

Looking for more quick weeknight meals? Our Cracker Thin Tortilla Pizzas are another time-saving, crowd-pleasing option with big flavor and minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

Healthier Comfort Food – Get all the indulgent flavor without the heavy cream or butter.
Fast and Easy – From start to finish, this dish takes under 35 minutes.
Customizable – Add veggies, proteins, or herbs to suit your taste.
Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, creamy texture.
Protein-Packed – Cottage cheese adds protein and keeps you feeling full.
One-Pot Simplicity – A skillet and pot are all you need — less cleanup!

According to the USDA, just 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese delivers about 15 grams of protein, along with calcium and B vitamins, making it a nutrient-dense addition to any meal.

Recipe Details

Servings: 4
Calories: ~380 per serving
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well)
1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but delicious)

Extra virgin olive oil is another heart-healthy ingredient in this recipe. As Harvard Health Publishing notes, olive oil is rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, both of which support cardiovascular health.

How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant — about 1 minute.

3. Build the Sauce

Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in cottage cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it bubble for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Combine

Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, if needed.

5. Garnish and Serve

Taste, adjust seasonings, and finish with parsley and Parmesan. Serve hot and creamy!

Love creamy, cozy dinners? You might also enjoy our Cheeseburger Soup — another unexpected comfort dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

Tips for Success

Use high-quality cottage cheese for a smoother, less grainy sauce.
Don’t skip the pasta water — it helps bind and balance the sauce.
Blend the cottage cheese if you prefer a velvety texture.
Let the pasta sit for 2–3 minutes after combining to absorb flavor.
Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to boost nutrients and texture.

Variation Ideas

Veggie-Packed – Add sautéed zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach.
Spicy Kick – Stir in red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño.
Protein Boost – Mix in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or tofu.
Fresh Herbs – Swap in fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil to brighten the dish.
Mediterranean Style – Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer – Portion into containers and freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat – Add a splash of broth or water and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free except for the pasta.

Can I prep this in advance?
Yes! Store the sauce separately and combine when reheating for best texture.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
You can, but the flavor will be tangier and the texture thinner.

Can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to taste.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Penne and rigatoni hold the sauce well, but long noodles like fettuccine are also delicious.

Looking for a gluten-free dinner with protein? Try our California Roll Sushi Bowl, a deconstructed sushi dish perfect for weeknights.

Health Spotlight

Cottage cheese isn’t just protein-rich — it’s packed with casein, a slow-digesting protein that helps with muscle repair. Research from the NIH shows it can help promote fullness and muscle recovery, especially when consumed after exercise.

Paired with pasta — often misunderstood — you get both quick energy and long-lasting satiety. In fact, studies suggest that pasta, when eaten as part of a balanced diet, can actually improve nutrient intake without contributing to weight gain.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is everything you want in a quick-fix meal: creamy, cheesy, filling — and surprisingly good for you. Whether you’re serving it solo, adding seasonal veggies, or topping it with a protein, it delivers flavor and flexibility in every forkful.

Best of all, it’s a great way to clean out the fridge and create something delicious from pantry staples — no fancy ingredients or time-consuming steps.

Need more quick and comforting meals? Try our Cauliflower Fritter Sausage Stacks for a low-carb brunch or our Sweet Chili Chicken and Mango Salad for a bright, refreshing contrast to creamy pasta.