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Cottage Cheese Pasta with Tomato and Basil Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 405 reviews

This creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is a delicious and healthier twist on traditional tomato-based pasta sauces. Using cottage cheese blended with tomatoes creates a smooth, protein-rich sauce that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines tender rigatoni or penne pasta with a flavorful tomato and basil sauce enhanced by subtle hints of garlic and onion and a touch of spice if desired.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 7 oz rigatoni or penne pasta

Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 x 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Smoked paprika powder (optional, for seasoning)

Garnish

  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni or penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes depending on the pasta brand. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta using a colander.
  2. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and the optional pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
  4. Simmer Tomatoes and Basil: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil. Season with a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Blend the Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the tomato mixture to an immersion blender or a regular blender. Add 1 cup of cottage cheese and the reserved ¼ cup of pasta water. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the blended sauce to the same skillet, place it over medium heat, and add the cooked pasta. Toss and stir for about 1 minute until the pasta is well coated and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optionally a pinch of smoked paprika powder to taste.
  7. Serve: Plate the pasta, garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water before draining, as its starchiness helps achieve a silky sauce consistency.
  • You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a slightly different texture and flavor.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes accordingly.
  • For a vegan version, substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative and omit parmesan garnish.
  • Use fresh basil for best flavor, but dried basil can be used in a pinch (reduce quantity to 1 tsp).
  • Stirring the pasta with the sauce in the skillet helps the flavors meld and the sauce cling well to the noodles.

Keywords: cottage cheese pasta, creamy pasta sauce, healthy pasta recipe, Italian pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta sauce

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/cottage-cheese-pasta-with-tomato-and-basil-recipe/