Description

This creamy high-protein cottage cheese pasta sauce is a keto and low-carb friendly recipe that combines the richness of full-fat cottage cheese with flavorful ingredients to create a smooth, cheesy, and satisfying sauce. Enhanced with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, it’s perfect for tossing with your favorite low-carb pasta or vegetable alternatives for a quick and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
4 tablespoons olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds depth)
4 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Zest of 1 lemon for brightness
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (adds cheesy, umami flavor if skipping Parmesan)

Optional Mix-ins

Sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a richer sauce

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Instructions

Heat the garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
Blend the sauce base: In a blender, combine cottage cheese, almond milk, cornstarch, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Simmer the sauce: Pour the blended mixture into the skillet with the garlic. Add Parmesan cheese if using, and the lemon zest. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add fresh herbs and mix-ins: Stir in the chopped fresh basil or parsley along with any optional sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to enrich the flavor.
Serve: Toss the finished sauce with your favorite low-carb pasta, spiralized vegetables, or roasted cauliflower. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

If you do not have Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast is a great substitute to add cheesy, umami flavor.
Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes.
This sauce is best served immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Use low-carb or keto-friendly pasta alternatives to keep the recipe aligned with dietary goals.