Cottage Cheese Cacio e Pepe (Excessive Protein)

This creamy, Cottage Cheese Cacio e Pepe is a protein-packed twist on the Italian basic. No cream wanted—simply mix cottage cheese, black pepper, Parmesan, and starchy pasta water to make a luscious sauce. Prepared in underneath 20 minutes!

Creamy Cacio e Pepe

In the event you love conventional cacio e pepe pasta however want it had somewhat extra endurance, this Cottage Cheese Cacio e Pepe is the reply. It has all of the daring, peppery taste you anticipate, however with a creamy sauce created from blended cottage cheese that provides a protein increase—16 grams per serving! You possibly can at all times amp it up by tossing in grilled hen or grilled shrimp. And for those who’re trying extra methods to sneak cottage cheese into your meals, take a look at extra of my Cottage Cheese Recipes right here!

Why This Recipe Works

I examined creamy cacio e pepe on my husband Tommy, who’s at all times somewhat skeptical once I sneak cottage cheese into recipes. However he cherished it and even gave it the “choosy husband” seal of approval. If that’s not a win, I don’t know what’s!

• Cottage cheese makes it creamy with out cream. Mixing it provides you a wealthy, velvety sauce that feels indulgent however is definitely lighter and full of protein.
• Pasta water is the key weapon. It loosens the sauce and helps it cling to each strand of pasta for that basic shiny end.
• It’s quick and pantry-friendly. No want for heavy cream or butter—simply easy substances you in all probability have already got.
• Extra protein than conventional cacio e pepe. With 16 grams per serving, it’s extra satisfying and retains you full longer.
• Grownup mac and cheese. The black pepper elevates the meal, but it surely’s nonetheless a tacky pasta your youngsters are certain to get pleasure from.
• Dietary Restrictions: Weight Watchers-friendly, vegetarian, gluten-free (if utilizing GF pasta), high-protein

I’ve examined a number of pasta recipes with cottage cheese, like this Lasagna and these Stuffed Shells, and plenty of extra whereas engaged on my new Skinnytaste Excessive Protein cookbook. It hits bookstores on October 7, and you’ll pre-order it now.

What’s the distinction between Pecorino Romano and Parmesan?

Each are agency, white cheeses, however Pecorino Romano is made with sheep’s milk and Parmesan is from cow’s milk. Pecorino has a saltier, tangier taste, whereas Parmesan is nuttier. It’s additionally typically aged longer than Pecorino, which suggests Parmesan’s texture is more durable and drier.

Find out how to Make Cacio e Pepe

Just some easy substances create a creamy, indulgent pasta sauce that’s secretly filled with protein. Plus, it doesn’t take lengthy to get on the desk, making it good for busy weeknights. See the recipe card on the backside for printable instructions.

1. Cook dinner the pasta in boiling, salted water till it’s al dente. When draining the pasta, pour 1 cup of pasta water right into a measuring cup. This starchy water is the important thing to creating the cacio e pepe sauce.
2. Make the Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce: Add the cottage cheese, garlic clove, each grated cheeses, and a half cup of pasta water to a blender and mix till easy.
3. Mix the Pasta and Sauce: Add the sauce to a skillet and heat it, with out letting it bubble. Stir within the pepper, pasta, and 1 / 4 cup of pasta water. If it’s too thick, add just a few tablespoons of pasta water till it’s creamy and easy.
4. Garnish the cacio e pepe with extra Parmesan and black pepper.

Variations

• Gluten-Free Cacio e Pepe: Substitute your favourite gluten-free pasta.
• Pasta Form: Swap spaghetti with fettuccine or bucatini. Cacio e pepe historically makes use of lengthy pasta, however brief pasta, akin to rotini or farfalle, will even work.
• Cottage Cheese: You should use entire milk cottage cheese for an excellent creamier pasta, however I wouldn’t use fat-free.
• Cheese: Use solely Pecorino Romano or Parmesan for those who don’t wish to purchase each.
• Veggie Combine-Ins: Make it heartier by including spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms.
• Additional Protein: Stir in shrimp or diced hen breasts.
• Taste: The grated cheeses add salt, but when it looks as if it’s lacking something, sprinkle in somewhat salt. You may also end it off with crushed purple pepper for some warmth.

Parmesan Cheese Tip: Save the Pecorino Romano and Parmesan rinds so as to add to soups later. Because the rind simmers, it softens and infuses the broth with a scrumptious cheese taste. I prefer to retailer my rinds in a zip-locked bag within the freezer, so I at all times have one accessible.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftover pasta for five days.
• Freeze in a single hermetic container or a number of smaller ones for particular person parts. It’ll final for as much as 3 months within the freezer.
• Thaw in a single day within the fridge and microwave till heat. If the pasta absorbed loads of sauce, add a splash of water to loosen it up.

Extra Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Love

For extra excessive protein recipes, take a look at these 5 scrumptious cottage cheese recipes to encourage your subsequent meal!

In the event you make this wholesome cacio e pepe recipe, I’d like to see it. Tag me in your pictures or movies on Instagram, TikTok, or Fb. And you’ll want to be part of the Skinnytaste Neighborhood to see what everybody’s cooking!