This creamy cottage cheese pasta sauce is a game changer! It’s simple to whip up and gives your pasta a fresh, rich flavor without all the fuss.
You won’t believe how easy it is! Just blend the cottage cheese with some herbs and spices, and you’ve got a luscious sauce ready in minutes. Perfect for busy nights! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rigatoni, fusilli, or penne for their ability to hold onto the sauce. If you want a gluten-free option, try brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. Both maintain a great texture with the sauce!
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese provides a smoother texture but feel free to use large curd if that’s what you have. For a dairy-free option, you can use a nut-based cream cheese or silken tofu blended until smooth.
Tomato Sauce: Store-bought tomato sauce is convenient, but homemade crushed tomatoes can add a fresh taste. If you’re looking for something a bit different, you might like using roasted red pepper puree for a smoky flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan adds great flavor, you can use Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free substitute if you prefer. Nutritional yeast is a fantastic alternative to give a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Make the Sauce Creamy without Dairy?
The key to creating a creamy cottage cheese pasta sauce is in the blending and heating process. Start with your cottage cheese, and don’t hesitate to break it down a bit while blending with the tomatoes. Here’s how to get it perfectly creamy:
- Blend the cottage cheese with a splash of the tomato sauce until smooth before mixing it all together.
- Make sure your sauce doesn’t boil vigorously after adding the cottage cheese; gentle heat is best to keep it creamy.
- Stir well and ensure the mixture is thoroughly combined to achieve that rich texture.
These tips will help you achieve a delicious, creamy sauce that’s perfect for tossing with pasta! Enjoy your cooking!
Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz pasta (such as rigatoni, fusilli, or penne)
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (preferably small curd)
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or a mix of dried basil and oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep and about 15 minutes of cooking time, so you can have this delicious pasta dish ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means it’s firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. You want to cook it just until it’s fragrant but be careful not to let it brown!
3. Prepare the Sauce:
Add in your tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Cook this mixture for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through and bubbly.
4. Combine with Cottage Cheese:
Next, reduce the heat a bit. Add the cottage cheese to your tomato mixture, stirring well so that it combines nicely. Use a spoon or whisk to break it down slightly, making it creamy and smooth.
5. Add Seasonings:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and your Italian seasoning. Season everything with salt, black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes for a little heat. Cook gently for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything thoroughly and create a creamy sauce.
6. Toss the Pasta:
Now it’s time to mix everything together! Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, making sure every piece is well-coated with the creamy sauce. This step is key to getting all those wonderful flavors in every bite.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and garnish with freshly sliced basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for that finishing touch!
8. Enjoy!
Serve immediately with a side salad or garlic bread for a full meal. You’re going to love how creamy and flavorful this sauce is—it’s truly a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes!
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Cottage Cheese?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute! It will give your sauce a creamy texture, just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly tangier. Make sure to stir it in at the end to avoid curdling when heated.
What Pasta Types Work Best for This Sauce?
Pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or penne are ideal as their shapes help to hold onto the creamy sauce. However, feel free to use any pasta you love, including gluten-free options like brown rice or chickpea pasta!
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently on the stove and toss it with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce, stirring until heated through.
