How to Make 20 Minute Pesto Cottage Cheese Pasta

cottage cheese

🥗Healthier: ricotta cheese

💰Cheaper: Greek yogurt

Ricotta provides a similar creamy texture, while Greek yogurt offers a lower-calorie option.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy, while pecorino is often less expensive.

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts are a nutritious alternative, while sunflower seeds are budget-friendly.

basil pesto

🥗Healthier: spinach pesto

💰Cheaper: homemade basil pesto

Spinach pesto reduces calories, and homemade options can be cheaper than store-bought.

Boil water in a large pot and add salt.

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and reserve some pasta water.

In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese and basil pesto; mix until smooth.

Add cooked pasta to the bowl with the cottage cheese mixture; toss to coat evenly.

If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.

Stir in grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, and minced garlic; mix well.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Fold in halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach.

Garnish with pine nuts, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens