Save 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, perfect for busy weeknights when I want something nutritious yet delicious.
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
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (15 g)
- 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.
Save My family loves gathering around this pasta especially on chilly weeknights when comfort food is a must.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories 420 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 49 g Protein 17 g per serving.
Required Tools
Large pot Blender or food processor Measuring cups and spoons Knife and cutting board.
Save This pasta sauce combines ease and nutrition in every bite making weeknight dinners something to look forward to.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes for this sauce?
Yes, dried sun-dried tomatoes can be rehydrated in warm water before blending to achieve the desired texture.
- → How can I adjust the sauce consistency?
Add reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to thin the sauce and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- → Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
To make it vegan, substitute plant-based cottage cheese and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or omit it entirely.
- → What pasta types work best with this sauce?
Short pastas like penne or fusilli hold the sauce well, but long pastas like spaghetti also pair nicely.
- → Can I add extra greens to this sauce?
Yes, adding baby spinach to the blender creates a vibrant green sauce and boosts nutritional value.