Pin 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 has become my go-to for busy evenings when I want something satisfying yet simple.
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 My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy this fresh and creamy sauce especially on busy weeknights.
Required Tools
Large pot blender or food processor measuring cups and spoons knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cottage cheese Parmesan) and 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
Pin This sauce is a fresh flavorful way to elevate your pasta night with minimal effort.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use dry sun-dried tomatoes for this sauce?
Yes, dry sun-dried tomatoes should be rehydrated in warm water or oil before blending to ensure a smooth and rich sauce texture.
- → What pasta types work best with this sauce?
Shape-holding pastas like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti complement this creamy sauce by retaining flavors within their grooves or strands.
- → How can I adjust the sauce thickness?
Adding reserved pasta cooking water gradually helps to thin the sauce to your preferred consistency while maintaining creaminess.
- → Is it possible to make a vegan version?
Absolutely, substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep any sauce leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and gently reheat before serving.