This creamy cottage cheese pasta sauce is a fun twist on traditional sauces! It’s rich and tasty, using just a few simple ingredients like cottage cheese, garlic, and your favorite herbs.
Trust me, it’s a great way to sneak in protein while keeping things delicious! I love tossing it with some pasta and fresh veggies for a quick, hearty meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using rigatoni or penne as they’re great at holding sauce. If you need a gluten-free option, try chickpea or brown rice pasta instead. They’ll give a nice flavor, too!
Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese brings creaminess and protein to the dish. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use a plant-based cream or silken tofu instead, blended until smooth for a similar texture.
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are convenient and flavorful. You can substitute them with fresh tomatoes, just make sure to remove the seeds and chop them finely. If you love a kick, go for fire-roasted tomatoes for extra smokiness!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, cheesy flavor. If you’re vegan, consider nutritional yeast as a substitute, as it gives a cheesy taste and is packed with nutrients.
How Can I Make Sure My Cottage Cheese Sauce is Creamy?
Getting the sauce creamy is all about mixing it well. After cooking your pasta, keep an eye on the heat when adding the cottage cheese. You can use a mixer’s whisk attachment if you prefer a super smooth texture.
- Keep the heat low when stirring in the cottage cheese and Parmesan. This helps them blend smoothly without getting tough.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, little by little, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Mix everything gently to keep the pasta coated evenly without breaking it apart.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd or creamy-style)
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (or fresh finely chopped tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes from start to finish. About 10 minutes for prep and cooking the pasta, followed by another 10 minutes to make the sauce and mix everything together. Quick, simple, and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of that tasty pasta cooking water before you drain it!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it smells amazing, but be careful not to let it brown!
3. Add the Tomatoes:
Pour in your crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the garlic. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit. This is when the flavors start to blend nicely!
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now, lower the heat, and mix in the cottage cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If it’s a bit thick, don’t worry! Just add a splash of the reserved pasta water, bit by bit, until you reach the perfect consistency.
5. Season the Sauce:
Season your sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors evenly!
6. Combine with Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is nicely coated in that creamy sauce. Just be gentle so the pasta doesn’t break apart!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Dish up the pasta hot! Top it with freshly chopped basil and parsley for a burst of flavor and color. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, sprinkle a bit more Parmesan on top!
Enjoy your cottage cheese pasta sauce! It’s creamy, packed with protein, and a delightful dish you can whip up in no time!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese for the Sauce?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese works great in this recipe. It may slightly change the texture, but you’ll still get that creamy goodness while cutting down on calories.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you’re looking to reduce the heat, simply omit the red pepper flakes. You can also replace them with a pinch of black pepper for flavor without the spice or add a touch of honey for a sweet balance!
What If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. It adds a similar umami flavor without the cheese.
Can I Store Leftover Pasta Sauce?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or extra olive oil to restore creaminess.
