Save to Pinterest A creamy, tangy pasta sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes and cottage cheese for a protein-rich flavorful twist perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
This sauce quickly became a family favorite for weeknight dinners especially when time is short.
Ingredients
- Main Sauce: 1 cup (150 g) sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil drained or rehydrated if dry)
- Main Sauce: 1 cup (240 g) cottage cheese
- Main Sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- Main Sauce: 2 garlic cloves peeled
- Main Sauce: 1/4 cup (15 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Main Sauce: 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Main Sauce: 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Main Sauce: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- To Serve: 400 g (14 oz) dried pasta (penne fusilli or spaghetti)
- To Serve: 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- To Serve: Additional grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water then drain pasta
- Step 2:
- Meanwhile in a blender or food processor combine sun-dried tomatoes cottage cheese olive oil garlic Parmesan salt pepper and red pepper flakes (if using) Blend until smooth and creamy
- Step 3:
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
- Step 4:
- Return drained pasta to the pot Pour sauce over pasta tossing to coat Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency
- Step 5:
- Serve immediately garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan
Save to Pinterest Sharing this dish at family dinners always brings smiles and requests for seconds.
Required Tools
Large pot blender or food processor measuring cups and spoons knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cottage cheese Parmesan) and wheat/gluten (pasta) For gluten-free use gluten-free pasta
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories 17 g total fat 49 g carbohydrates 17 g protein
Save to Pinterest This sauce is a delightful way to elevate your pasta nights while keeping the preparation simple and quick.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What makes this sauce creamy and flavorful?
The combination of cottage cheese and extra-virgin olive oil provides a smooth, creamy base, while sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, tangy depth. Parmesan and garlic enhance the savory notes.
- → How do I adjust the sauce consistency?
Add reserved pasta cooking water gradually to the blended sauce until it reaches a silky and smooth texture that coats the pasta well.
- → Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored refrigerated for up to three days, making it convenient for quick meals.
- → What pasta types pair best with this sauce?
Shapes like penne, fusilli, and spaghetti work well as they hold the creamy sauce, allowing the flavors to cling for every bite.
- → Are there options for dietary preferences?
For vegan or dairy-free needs, substitute cottage cheese with plant-based alternatives and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- → How can I add extra nutrition to the sauce?
Blend in a handful of baby spinach for a fresh boost of greens without altering the creamy texture significantly.