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Cottage Cheese Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cottage Cheese Creamy Pesto Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that combines the vibrant flavors of basil pesto with the creamy texture of cottage cheese. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, it offers a nutritious twist on traditional pesto pasta by adding protein-rich cottage cheese, making it both satisfying and light.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb orecchiette pasta (or pasta of your choice)
  • 1 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (2% or 4% fat recommended)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta using a colander and either return it to the pot or place it in a large serving bowl.
  2. Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the basil pesto, cottage cheese, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with kosher salt and black pepper to your liking.
  3. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Pour the creamy pesto sauce over the cooked pasta. Stir thoroughly until every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes, fresh basil leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve the pasta warm for best taste.

Notes

  • Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed; it helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
  • For a richer flavor, use full-fat cottage cheese, but low-fat options work well too.
  • Fresh basil as garnish enhances aroma and freshness.
  • This recipe can be adapted to gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • To make the dish vegan, substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based creamy alternative and use vegan pesto.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipeglimpse.com/cottage-cheese-creamy-pesto-pasta-recipe/