Description
A deliciously creamy and high-protein pasta sauce that combines cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan with tomato sauce and aromatic herbs for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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 pan: Heat a medium-sized pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking the sauce base.
- Warm olive oil: Add the olive oil to the warmed pan and let it heat for about 30 seconds to release its flavor.
- Add tomato sauce: Pour the tomato sauce into the pan, stirring gently to combine it evenly with the olive oil.
- Thin sauce: Add the water to the pan and stir to slightly thin out the tomato sauce for better consistency.
- Simmer base: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Prepare creamy mixture: While the sauce simmers, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese in a blender or food processor.
- Add seasonings: Add garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and salt to the blender with the cheese mixture.
- Blend smooth: Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy for a rich sauce texture.
- Combine sauces: Slowly pour the creamy cottage cheese blend into the pan with the simmered tomato sauce.
- Mix gently: Stir the combined sauce gently to evenly incorporate the creamy mixture with the tomato base.
- Cook combined sauce: Cook the sauce on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in the lemon juice until fully incorporated to brighten the sauce flavors.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt or pepper to your preference for balanced seasoning.
- Final simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot over your favorite pasta for a nutritious, high-protein meal.
Notes
- This sauce works best with medium or large pasta shapes to hold the creamy texture.
- Use low-fat cottage cheese and Greek yogurt for a lighter version without sacrificing protein.
- For extra flavor, fresh herbs can be substituted or added alongside dried herbs.
- Ensure to stir frequently during simmering to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan.
- The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
