This Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce is creamy, light, and oh-so-easy to make! Just blend cottage cheese with your favorite herbs and seasonings for a yummy twist.
I love how it turns any boring pasta into a delicious meal! Plus, it’s a sneaky way to add protein without much fuss. Who knew healthy could taste this good? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese will give you the creamiest sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, low-fat cottage cheese works too, but might be slightly less creamy. Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a tangy flavor.
Tomato Sauce: Canned tomato sauce is super convenient and easy. If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, feel free to blend them instead. You can also use marinara sauce for extra flavor.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma and taste. If you don’t have it, use dried basil instead (about 1 teaspoon). Other herbs like oregano or parsley can work too!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan has the best flavor. For a dairy-free option, try using a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to get that savory essence.
How Do I Make a Creamy Sauce Without Curdling the Cheese?
This sauce is simple to make, but you need to be careful when combining the ingredients. Here are some tips to keep your sauce creamy:
- After cooking the tomatoes and aromatics, let the skillet cool slightly before adding cottage cheese.
- Blend the sauce until very smooth to prevent any lumps. If it’s too thick, add a splash of pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Warm the blended sauce gently on low heat. Avoid boiling it to keep the cottage cheese from separating.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce that’s sure to impress!
Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or your choice), cooked al dente
For Flavor:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and preparing the sauce and another 10 minutes blending and warming the sauce. It’s quick, easy, and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Make the Tomato Base:
Stir in the canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Let this simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to blend together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Blend the Sauce:
Take the skillet off the heat. In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked tomato mixture, cottage cheese, chopped basil, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Pour the creamy sauce back into the skillet and warm it over low heat. Stir gently just until the sauce is heated through—be careful not to let it boil, which can curdle the cheese!
6. Toss and Serve:
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, tossing well to coat every piece evenly. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with more grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves on top.
Enjoy your creamy, protein-packed Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious meal for any occasion! 🍝
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy. Full-fat cottage cheese gives the best texture, but low-fat will still work if that’s what you have on hand.
How Can I Make This Sauce Vegan?
To make this sauce vegan, simply substitute the cottage cheese with a cashew cream or vegan cream cheese, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for flavor. You can also skip the cheese altogether for a lighter option!
Can I Store Leftover Sauce?
Yes! Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth if it thickens too much.
What Pasta Works Best With This Sauce?
Any pasta works, but I recommend shorter shapes like rigatoni or penne, as they hold the sauce better. You can also try it with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a different twist!
