Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: I love using rigatoni or penne for this sauce since they hold the sauce well. However, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, even whole grain or gluten-free options! It’s all about what you enjoy.

Cottage Cheese: Small curd offers a smoother texture, while large curd provides a delightful bite. If you’re not a fan, try ricotta or even a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option!

Tomato Sauce: You can use store-bought sauce for convenience. For a fresh taste, consider crushed tomatoes or even fire-roasted tomatoes, which add a wonderful flavor. 

Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice salty flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, nutritional yeast is an excellent substitute, giving a cheesy flavor without the dairy!

How Do I Ensure the Sauce Is Creamy and Well-Combined?

A key step in making the cottage cheese sauce creamy is proper blending. If you love a smooth texture, consider blending the cottage cheese with a bit of the tomato sauce before adding it to the skillet. This makes it lovely and creamy!

• Make sure your skillet isn’t too hot once you add the cottage cheese; a low heat helps it melt beautifully without curdling.
• Stir frequently and gradually mix in the Parmesan for a cohesive flavor throughout the sauce.

Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Sauce:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (rigatoni or penne works well)
• 1 cup cottage cheese (small or large curd)
• 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil (or fresh basil for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This tasty cottage cheese pasta sauce will take about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 10 minutes making the sauce. Simple and quick, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Garlic:

While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant but not burnt.

3. Make the Sauce:

Add the tomato sauce to the skillet with the garlic. Stir in the dried oregano and basil. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This will help develop the flavors.

4. Incorporate the Cottage Cheese:

Next, lower the heat and add the cottage cheese to the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine everything, letting the cheese melt and create a creamy texture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently so that it all blends nicely.

5. Add the Parmesan:

Once the sauce is creamy, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until it’s fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Combine with Pasta:

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure each piece is well-coated with that delicious, creamy sauce.

7. Serve and Garnish:

Serve your cottage cheese pasta sauce immediately while it’s warm. Garnish with freshly sliced basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top if you wish.

Enjoy your creamy, flavorful cottage cheese pasta sauce!

Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni and penne are great choices as their shapes hold the sauce well, you can use any pasta you prefer, including gluten-free options or whole grain pasta.

How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?

To make this pasta sauce dairy-free, substitute the cottage cheese with a vegan cream cheese or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can replace the Parmesan for that cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to thin it out if needed, before tossing with fresh pasta.

What Should I Serve with Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce?

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal. If you want to go all out, garlic bread or a classic Caesar salad would make delightful accompaniments!