Description
Whipped Cottage Cheese Garlic Steak Pasta is a high-protein, creamy pasta dish featuring tender seared steak, a silky whipped cottage cheese garlic sauce, Parmesan, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy skillet dinner delivers rich flavor with a lighter twist and is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs beef sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly cracked black pepper, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- Blend the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, and lemon juice until completely smooth. Set aside.
- Season the steak with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the whipped cottage cheese mixture into the skillet and stir gently over low heat.
- Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Return the steak to the skillet and toss gently until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Blend the cottage cheese thoroughly for an ultra-smooth, creamy sauce.
- Cook the steak to medium-rare or medium for the most tender texture.
- Avoid boiling the cottage cheese sauce to prevent curdling.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted broccoli for extra vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American