Pin It 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 favorite in my household for its unique taste and simplicity.
Ingredients
- Sun-dried tomatoes: 1 cup (150 g) packed in oil drained or rehydrated if dry
- Cottage cheese: 1 cup (240 g)
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Garlic cloves: 2 peeled
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (15 g) freshly grated
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon
- Dried pasta: 400 g (14 oz) penne fusilli or spaghetti
- Fresh basil: 2 tablespoons chopped
- 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.
Pin It Making this sauce brought my family closer around the dinner table sharing stories over a delicious meal.
Nutritional Information
Calories 420 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 49 g Protein 17 g per serving.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cottage cheese Parmesan) Contains wheat/gluten (pasta) For gluten-free use gluten-free pasta Always check labels for potential allergens in store-bought products.
Required Tools
Large pot Blender or food processor Measuring cups and spoons Knife and cutting board.
Pin It This sauce adds a fresh flavorful twist to your weeknight dinners that your whole family will enjoy.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use dry sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, rehydrate dry sun-dried tomatoes in warm water before blending for a smooth texture.
- → How do I adjust the sauce thickness?
Add reserved pasta cooking water gradually to reach your preferred consistency.
- → Is there a vegan alternative for the cheese?
Substitute cottage cheese with plant-based alternatives and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- → What pasta types work best with this sauce?
Short or long shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti pair well, holding the creamy sauce nicely.
- → Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to three days, ideal for quick meals later.