Polish Noodles, also known as cottage cheese and noodles, is a simple yet comforting dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This budget-friendly meal features tender egg noodles tossed with creamy cottage cheese and a touch of butter for a rich, satisfying flavor. It’s quick to prepare and makes a perfect side dish or light meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Comforting & Hearty: A warm, creamy, and filling dish.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple and affordable ingredients.
- Customizable: Can be made sweet or savory with simple variations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd recommended)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the Butter: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked noodles to the pan and stir to coat them in the butter.
- Add Cottage Cheese: Gently mix in the cottage cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Stir until warmed through but not overly melted.
- Serve & Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Sweet Version: Add a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and raisins for a sweet twist.
- Savory Add-Ins: Mix in sautéed onions, bacon, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cottage cheese.
- Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken or crumbled sausage.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk or butter to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the texture of the cottage cheese may change.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, but egg noodles work best for this dish. You can also try bowtie or fettuccine.
2. Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Ricotta provides a smoother texture but a similar creamy flavor.
3. Is this dish traditionally Polish?
Yes, variations of this dish are popular in Polish and Eastern European cuisine.
4. Can I add protein?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken would be great addition.
5. What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
6. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check that your cottage cheese is gluten-free.
7. How can I make this more flavorful?
Try adding sautéed onions, garlic, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
8. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the creamy texture and mild flavor.
9. Can I use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese?
Both work, but full-fat provides the best creaminess.
10. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients and assemble just before serving.
Conclusion
Polish Noodles with Cottage Cheese is a simple, comforting, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a quick lunch, side dish, or light dinner, its creamy texture and mild flavors make it a crowd-pleaser. Try it today for an easy, nostalgic meal!
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Polish Noodles (Cottage Cheese and Noodles)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Polish Noodles (Cottage Cheese and Noodles) recipe is a comforting, budget-friendly dish made with tender egg noodles, creamy cottage cheese, and butter. Quick to prepare in under 20 minutes, this traditional Polish meal is satisfying, simple, and perfect as a side dish or light meal. Enjoy it savory or sweet with easy variations!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd recommended)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles – Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the Butter – In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Combine Ingredients – Add the cooked noodles to the pan and stir to coat them in the butter.
- Add Cottage Cheese – Gently mix in the cottage cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Stir until warmed through but not overly melted.
- Serve & Garnish – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Sweet Version: Add honey, cinnamon, and raisins for a dessert-like twist.
- Savory Add-Ins: Enhance with sautéed onions or mushrooms.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cottage cheese.
- Protein Boost: Stir in shredded chicken or crumbled sausage.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish, Eastern European
