This creamy cottage cheese pasta sauce is a tasty twist on your usual sauce! It’s made with smooth cottage cheese, garlic, and a sprinkle of herbs for a delicious flavor.
What I love most is how easy it is to whip up! Just blend the ingredients and mix it with your favorite pasta. It feels like a cozy hug in a bowl! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: I recommend using small curd cottage cheese for a smoother texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using blended silken tofu instead for a similar creaminess without the dairy.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with avocado oil or any vegetable oil for cooking. Just remember, the fresher the oil, the better the flavor!
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a wonderful aroma and taste. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used—just use 1/8 tsp for each clove.
Crushed Tomatoes: While canned crushed tomatoes work great, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just chop and cook them down until saucy. Alternatively, tomato puree can be a good substitute if you’re looking for a smoother sauce.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, swap in Greek yogurt or a little milk. If you’re aiming for a vegan adaptation, try coconut milk for creaminess. It will add a unique flavor!
How Do You Make the Sauce Creamy and Delicious?
The key to a smooth and creamy cottage cheese pasta sauce lies in how you integrate the cottage cheese with the other ingredients. Here’s a friendly guide:
- Blend the cottage cheese until it’s completely smooth. This helps avoid any graininess in your sauce.
- Make sure to combine the cottage cheese with the tomato sauce over low heat. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents the cottage cheese from curdling.
- If the sauce is thick after mixing, don’t hesitate to add the reserved pasta water gradually. This not only adjusts the thickness but also ensures the sauce clings well to the pasta.
Trust me, taking these steps will result in a rich and creamy sauce that everyone will love! Enjoy making it!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably small curd)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil or a few fresh basil leaves, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces rigatoni or pasta of choice
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 30-40 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and approximately 20-30 minutes for cooking, including simmering the sauce and boiling the pasta. A quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (just cooked but still firm). Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This will be useful for adjusting the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Adding the Tomatoes & Herbs:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Let it all simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
4. Blending the Cottage Cheese:
In the meantime, take the cottage cheese and place it in a blender or food processor. Blend it until it’s nice and smooth. This will be the creamy part of our sauce!
5. Bringing it All Together:
Lower the heat on your skillet and stir the smooth cottage cheese and cream into the tomato mixture. Mix everything well, and if it seems thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you’ve reached your desired consistency.
6. Final Seasoning:
Season your sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Make sure to taste the sauce; it should be delicious! If needed, adjust the seasoning a little here and there.
7. Combining the Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce, tossing it all together so that every piece of pasta is nicely coated. If you want it saucier, feel free to add a bit more of the reserved pasta water!
8. Serving It Up:
Dish out your pasta into bowls. You can drizzle a little extra cream on top if you’d like for added richness. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and flavor.
Now, it’s time to enjoy your creamy, tangy cottage cheese pasta sauce! It’s comforting, rich, and fresh with those herbs—perfect for a hearty meal. Enjoy! 🍝
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese can be a great substitute if you prefer a lighter option. Just blend it well to ensure a smooth consistency in your sauce.
How Do I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover cottage cheese pasta sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to bring back the creaminess.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Sauce?
Yes! Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Just add them to the skillet along with the garlic and onion for the best results.
What Pasta Varieties Work Best?
While rigatoni is fantastic for this sauce, any pasta shape will do! Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti would pair nicely with this creamy sauce. Just choose your favorite!
