Name: Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup dry orzo pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup milk or reserved pasta water; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil; Optional add-ins: sautéed spinach, peas, or grilled chicken

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If you’re dreaming of a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with bright, fresh flavors, Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo is about to become your new best friend. This quick-and-easy recipe brings together the silky texture of orzo, a creamy cottage cheese sauce infused with garlic and lemon, and a finish of fresh herbs for a Mediterranean hug in a bowl. One bite and you’ll fall for the rich, savory notes and lively citrus zest—plus, it all comes together in just 20 minutes for a healthy weeknight winner or an impressive side at any gathering.

Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo is its short ingredient list—every item truly pulls its weight. Each component adds a unique flavor, creamy texture, or pop of color, making this dish far more than just the sum of its parts.

Orzo Pasta: The star—tiny pasta with a risotto-like feel that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Olive Oil: Gives a rich, fruity base to sauté the garlic and build the sauce’s flavor foundation.
Garlic Cloves: Infuses the orzo with deep, aromatic notes that complement the creamy cheese.
Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: Adds protein and irresistible creaminess while keeping the dish light—small-curd blends in seamlessly.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Provides that signature savory zip and helps the sauce cling to every orzo grain.
Milk or Reserved Pasta Water: Loosens the sauce, making it smooth; opt for pasta water if you like a silkier texture.
Lemon Juice: Sparks up the whole dish with a sunny, vibrant tang.
Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma and color, making every spoonful feel extra fresh.
Salt: Just enough to pull out all the flavors—season to your taste.
Black Pepper: A pinch lends warmth and bite to balance the creaminess.
Fresh Parsley or Basil: Bright green herbs finish the orzo with color and herbal fragrance.
Optional Add-ins: Sautéed spinach, peas, or grilled chicken transform this into a fulfilling meal or a customizable side.

How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 7 to 9 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water; this starchy liquid is liquid gold for getting the sauce just right!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly, just until fragrant. You want it golden and aromatic—not browned—so keep a watchful eye during this step.

Step 3: Blend the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and gently stir in the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, milk or reserved pasta water, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well to unify all those luscious, tangy, and savory notes. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. For extra silkiness, you can blend the cottage cheese before adding it.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked orzo to the skillet, tossing well to coat each tender grain with the cheesy sauce. Let it warm through for a minute so everything melds. Remove from the heat and fold in the fresh parsley or basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—don’t be shy if you want a little more lemon or another sprinkle of black pepper.

Step 5: Optional Add-ins

If using, now is the perfect time to stir in sautéed spinach, sweet peas, or slices of grilled chicken for added color, flavor, and protein. These simple tweaks make Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo hearty enough for a main course or completely customizable as an impressive side.

How to Serve Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo

Garnishes

There’s something magical about topping Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo with a shower of fresh herbs or an extra dusting of Parmesan. A final sprinkle of lemon zest or a few ribbons of basil really brightens the dish and makes it irresistibly inviting.

Side Dishes

This orzo is a flavor chameleon—serve it alongside simple grilled chicken, flaky salmon, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying, well-rounded meal. Its creamy tanginess pairs marvelously with Mediterranean-inspired sides like Greek salad or citrusy greens.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo into a shallow serving bowl and swirling herbs on top for a show-stopping centerpiece. For a family-style dinner, serve it straight from the pan, or spoon it into petite ramekins for individual servings at a party. Add roasted cherry tomatoes or a handful of toasted pine nuts for color and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. It may thicken slightly as it sits, but the flavors deepen, making every bite just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, the texture of the cottage cheese and orzo may change a bit after thawing. For best quality, enjoy it fresh or from the fridge—but if you do freeze, use within a month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or a bit of water to restore creaminess. Stir as it warms, and finish with a fresh pinch of herbs or squeeze of lemon to revive its bright character.

FAQs

Can I use whole-wheat orzo or gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Whole-wheat orzo will bring a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber, while gluten-free alternatives work wonderfully for those with dietary needs—just follow package cooking times for best results.

Can I make Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo completely dairy-free?

Yes, try substituting dairy-free cottage cheese, plant-based Parmesan, and your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk for a delicious vegan twist; just watch the seasoning and texture as you mix.

How can I make this dish even creamier?

For an ultra-creamy finish, blend the cottage cheese until smooth before adding it to the skillet, and don’t be shy about reserving some pasta water—it helps the sauce reach that dreamy consistency.

What are good protein add-ins to make it a main course?

Grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp all make fantastic protein-rich additions, or try tossing in sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas, or roasted veggies for a heartier, vegetarian-friendly main.

Is Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Its cheesy, mild flavor and fun, risotto-like texture win over kids and adults alike. If your kids are picky, you can blend the sauce to hide the cottage cheese and even stir in their favorite veggies.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into a bowl of Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo and experience just how comforting, versatile, and downright tasty this dish is. Whether it becomes your go-to side or the star of your weeknight table, I promise it’ll be a meal worth repeating. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the first creamy, zesty bite!

Creamy Cottage Cheese Orzo Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this flavorful cottage cheese orzo recipe. With hints of lemon and garlic, this dish is a delightful medley of textures and tastes, perfect as a side or a light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Orzo Pasta:

1 cup dry orzo pasta

Seasonings:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Mixture:

1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk or reserved pasta water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Optional Add-ins:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Optional add-ins: sautéed spinach, peas, or grilled chicken

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Instructions

Cook Orzo: Boil orzo in salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water and drain.
Prepare Cheese Mixture: Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add cottage cheese, Parmesan, milk/water, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Cook until creamy.
Combine: Toss cooked orzo with the cheese mixture until warm.
Finish: Stir in fresh herbs and adjust seasoning. Serve topped with extra herbs or cheese.