Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo – A Comforting and Protein-Packed Dish
Pasta lovers know the joy of a warm, creamy bowl of comfort food, but it’s not often that such dishes pack a serious nutritional punch. Enter creamy cottage cheese orzo, a recipe that blends the richness of creamy pasta with the health benefits of high-protein cottage cheese. Orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta, cooks quickly and provides the perfect base for a velvety, cheesy sauce that feels indulgent while being much lighter than traditional cream-based versions.
What makes this dish stand out is its versatility. You can serve it as a cozy main course, a hearty side dish, or even as meal prep for the week. The mild flavor of cottage cheese pairs beautifully with garlic, herbs, and parmesan, creating a dish that feels gourmet but comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re aiming for a protein-rich vegetarian dinner or a wholesome side to complement grilled chicken or fish, creamy cottage cheese orzo checks all the boxes.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients with approximate calorie counts:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Orzo pasta | 1 cup (uncooked) | 210 kcal |
| Cottage cheese (low-fat) | 1 cup | 200 kcal |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ¼ cup | 110 kcal |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | 8 kcal |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 120 kcal |
| Lemon juice (fresh) | 1 tbsp | 4 kcal |
| Fresh spinach (optional) | 1 cup | 7 kcal |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the orzo – Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Blend the sauce – In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce – Add the drained orzo to the skillet with garlic. Pour in the blended sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
- Optional add-ins – Toss in fresh spinach and stir until wilted for extra nutrients and color.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste and add more salt, pepper, or parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Boost the protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling meal.
- Veggie boost: Stir in roasted broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Creamier texture: Use full-fat cottage cheese for a richer flavor.
- Lighter version: Swap olive oil with a small splash of vegetable broth when sautéing garlic.
- Flavor upgrade: Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme for a fresh finish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 165 kcal |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
- As a main dish: Serve in a bowl topped with fresh herbs and extra parmesan.
- With protein: Pair with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or sautéed shrimp.
- As a side dish: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.
- Meal prep friendly: Store in airtight containers and reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo – A Comforting and Protein-Packed Dish
4
servings5
minutes15
minutes165
kcalIngredients
1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked) – 210 kcal
1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat) – 200 kcal
¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated) – 110 kcal
2 cloves garlic (minced) – 8 kcal
1 tbsp olive oil – 120 kcal
1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh) – 4 kcal
1 cup fresh spinach (optional) – 7 kcal
Salt & black pepper – to taste
Directions
- Cook orzo in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Blend cottage cheese, parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add cooked orzo to the skillet, pour in sauce, and stir until creamy.
- Toss in spinach (optional) until wilted. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm with extra parmesan or herbs on top.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Blending tip: For the creamiest sauce, blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth before adding it to the orzo.
Reheating: Add a splash of milk, cream, or vegetable broth when reheating to keep the pasta creamy and prevent dryness.
FAQs
1: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Greek yogurt can be blended with parmesan for a similar creamy texture, but it will have a tangier flavor than cottage cheese.
2: How do I keep the sauce from being grainy?
Blend the cottage cheese until smooth before adding it to the pasta. Using a high-speed blender or food processor gives the best creamy consistency.
3: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made with wheat, but you can use gluten-free orzo (made from rice or corn) to make this dish gluten-free.
4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep it creamy.
5: What proteins go well with creamy cottage cheese orzo?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or even roasted chickpeas are perfect pairings that balance the creamy pasta with extra protein.
6: Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute cottage cheese with a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative or cashew cream, and swap parmesan for nutritional yeast.
Conclusion
Creamy cottage cheese orzo is a dish that brings together the comfort of pasta and the health benefits of high-protein cottage cheese. It’s creamy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable to whatever you have in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it as a light main or as a hearty side, this recipe proves that nutritious meals can still feel indulgent and satisfying. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.
