Description
This high protein cottage cheese pasta sauce combines creamy cottage cheese and Greek yogurt with classic Italian herbs and tomato sauce, offering a nutritious and flavorful alternative to traditional pasta sauces. It’s quick to prepare on the stovetop and perfect for those seeking a protein-packed meal with a smooth, creamy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat the pan: Place a medium-sized pan over medium heat and allow it to warm up for cooking.
- Warm olive oil: Add the olive oil to the pan and let it warm for about 30 seconds to release its flavors.
- Add tomato sauce: Pour the tomato sauce into the pan, stirring gently with the oil to combine them smoothly.
- Thin the sauce: Add water to the pan and stir to slightly thin out the tomato sauce for better consistency.
- Simmer sauce: Lower the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare cheese mixture: While the tomato sauce simmers, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese in a blender or food processor.
- Add seasonings: Incorporate garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and salt into the blender with the cheeses.
- Blend ingredients: Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring a rich texture for the sauce.
- Combine sauces: Slowly pour the creamy cottage cheese blend into the pan with the simmered tomato sauce.
- Mix thoroughly: Stir gently to evenly combine the creamy base with the tomato sauce.
- Cook combined sauce: Let the sauce cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Incorporate lemon juice: Add lemon juice to the sauce and stir well to blend the fresh acidity.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper as needed to enhance the flavor.
- Final simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes ensuring it is heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve this creamy high-protein sauce over your favorite cooked pasta.
Notes
- Use full-fat cottage cheese and Greek yogurt for a richer flavor and creamy texture.
- The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container and reheated gently on the stove.
- Adjust herbs and seasoning to preference; fresh herbs can be substituted for dried if available.
- Consider adding cooked vegetables or grilled chicken for additional nutrition and variety.
- This sauce works well with any type of pasta such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli.
