If you’ve been searching for a pasta dish that feels indulgent yet stays light and fresh, the Cottage Cheese Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. This dish brilliantly combines the bright, herbal punch of basil pesto with the silky, wholesome richness of cottage cheese, creating a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to every tender piece of orecchiette. It’s comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring as a satisfying solo meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with dry, light yellow orecchiette pasta, topped with bright green fresh basil leaves. Around the bowl, there are four smaller white bowls arranged: one with green pesto sauce on the bottom left, one with grated pale-yellow cheese on the bottom right, one with white ricotta cheese on the top right, and one with a mix of salt and pepper on the top left. There is also a small brown bowl with crushed red pepper flakes next to the salt and pepper. The setting is on a white marbled surface, with a few fresh basil leaves scattered near the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, high-quality ingredients come together effortlessly in this recipe to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and inviting color. Each element plays a vital role in achieving that perfect creamy pesto pasta experience.

1 lb orecchiette pasta: This pasta shape’s little ears are excellent for holding onto the creamy sauce.
1 cup basil pesto: Provides vibrant herbaceous notes and that classic pesto goodness.
1 cup cottage cheese (2% or 4%): Adds a luscious creaminess without the heaviness of traditional cream.
1/2 cup reserved pasta water: Helps thin and bind the sauce, making it silky.
Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Garnishes – crushed red pepper flakes, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese: Optional, but they add kick, freshness, and richness to finish beautifully.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Adding enough salt is key—it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook your orecchiette until just al dente according to the package directions; this means tender yet still with a slight bite. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid works wonders in the sauce’s texture.

Step 2: Blend the Creamy Pesto Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine your basil pesto, creamy cottage cheese, and half a cup of that reserved pasta water. Blend everything until it reaches a smooth, luscious consistency. Taste your sauce and add salt and black pepper as needed—this step ensures the flavors shine just right and balance perfectly with the fresh pesto.

Step 3: Toss Pasta with the Sauce

Return your drained pasta to the pot or a large serving bowl, and pour the creamy pesto sauce over it. Stir gently yet thoroughly so each little piece of orecchiette gets coated in that gorgeous, velvety sauce. The pasta water you saved helps the sauce cling effortlessly, giving you an irresistibly creamy finish.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat, add fresh basil leaves for brightness, and finish with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese to boost the umami factor. Serve immediately while warm and inviting, and watch everyone dive right in.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy green pesto sauce pasta, made of small round orecchiette shells fully coated in the sauce. The pasta is topped with a light sprinkle of grated cheese and red chili flakes and garnished with fresh bright green basil leaves on top and around the edges. A silver fork with a dark wooden handle is placed inside the bowl, partially resting on the pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a few basil leaves scattered nearby and a piece of bread with poppy seeds on a white plate visible at the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Bright, fresh garnishes elevate this dish beautifully. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes wakes up the flavor with gentle heat, while fresh basil leaves add aroma and vivid color. Grated Parmesan offers a salty, nutty finish that rounds out the creamy pesto sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to contrast the richness, or serve alongside roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes and asparagus to incorporate a pop of sweetness and texture. A crusty bread is also fantastic to soak up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, plate the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a stunning effect. You could also layer the pasta over a bed of sautéed spinach or arugula for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s as delicious as it is gorgeous.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cottage Cheese Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

While freezing pasta with creamy sauces isn’t always ideal, you can freeze this dish if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent curdling and keep the sauce luxuriously creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While orecchiette is perfect for catching the sauce, this recipe works wonderfully with penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just cook your pasta to al dente for the best texture.

Is cottage cheese a good substitute for cream in this pasta?

Yes, cottage cheese adds creaminess with less fat and calories compared to traditional cream. It also brings a subtle tang that complements the pesto beautifully.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the creamy pesto sauce a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick stir and add a splash of pasta water before tossing with freshly cooked pasta to refresh its texture.

What type of pesto is best to use?

Homemade basil pesto is fantastic, but good-quality store-bought pesto works perfectly as well. Look for one with fresh basil, pine nuts, and just the right amount of garlic for maximum flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure your Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet if you follow stricter vegetarian guidelines.

Final Thoughts

There is something so satisfying about this Cottage Cheese Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe that makes it feel like a special treat any day of the week. Its perfect balance of creamy, fresh, and herby flavors will quickly make it a beloved staple in your kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy how effortlessly delicious and comforting a simple pasta dish can be!

Sarah

Cottage Cheese Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe