Step 1: Cook Your Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your favorite pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Blend the Cottage Cheese Base. While your pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. In a high-speed blender, combine the cottage cheese, garlic, olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 3: Warm the Sauce. In a large skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, add the blended cottage cheese sauce. Stir gently, allowing it to warm through. Do not let it boil, as this can cause the cottage cheese to curdle.
Step 4: Combine & Emulsify. Add the drained, cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the warm sauce. Add about half of the reserved pasta water and the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together vigorously, using tongs, until the pasta is well coated and the sauce emulsifies. If the sauce seems too thick, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Taste & Adjust. Taste the pasta and sauce. Adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil.