Description
This creamy cottage cheese pasta is a quick and healthy gluten-free meal that boasts high protein, low carbs, and low sugar. Featuring red lentil pasta spirals coated in a smooth, cheesy marinara sauce blended with cottage cheese and garlic, it delivers a perfectly balanced dish rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Topped with parmesan flakes and red pepper flakes for added texture and flavor, this versatile pasta is ideal for a nourishing weeknight lunch or dinner and can be customized with various toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 box gluten-free pasta (such as red lentil pasta, brown rice pasta, or cassava pasta), cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (e.g., Good Culture or Kalona Super Natural)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Optional Toppings
- Shredded parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh spinach
- Organic chicken meatballs
- Drizzle of hot honey
Optional Spices for Sauce
- Fresh basil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your gluten-free pasta according to the package directions. When done, reserve 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta thoroughly. Set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine 1 cup of full-fat cottage cheese, 1/2 cup of marinara sauce, the minced garlic clove, and any optional spices such as fresh basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the sauce consistency: Add the reserved pasta water gradually to the blended sauce and mix well to achieve a creamy, pourable consistency that will coat the pasta evenly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Pour the creamy cottage cheese marinara sauce over the cooked and drained pasta. Toss gently until all the pasta spirals are fully coated with the sauce.
- Add toppings and serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with shredded parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for extra flavor and texture. Optionally, add fresh spinach, chicken meatballs, or a drizzle of hot honey to customize your dish. Enjoy warm or cold according to your preference.
Notes
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest and most flavorful sauce.
- You can substitute lentil pasta with any gluten-free pasta or regular pasta if desired.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
- Customize toppings to fit your taste or dietary needs, adding protein like chicken meatballs or fresh veggies.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently on the stovetop or enjoyed cold.
- This recipe is low in carbs and sugar, making it suitable for keto and other low-carb diets.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: 4 ingredient, 5 ingredient, cottage cheese, easy dinner, easy lunch, easy meals, easy recipe, gluten free, gluten free pasta, healthier recipes, high protein, low carb, low sugar, pasta
