Save to Pinterest 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 a family favorite for busy evenings when I want something satisfying yet simple to make.
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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: 1/4 teaspoon, optional
- Dried pasta: 400 g (14 oz) penne fusilli or spaghetti
- Fresh basil: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan: for serving
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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 to Pinterest Our family enjoys gathering around the table sharing this sauce especially on hectic weeknights.
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Preparation Tips
Add a handful of baby spinach to the blender for extra greens and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this sauce with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio for a delightful meal.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Save to Pinterest 
Enjoy this creamy protein-packed sauce as a quick delicious dinner option any night of the week.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of sun-dried tomatoes work best?
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil offer a richer flavor and smoother blending, but rehydrated dry ones can also be used.
- → Can I substitute cottage cheese with other dairy?
Ricotta or cream cheese can be alternatives, though cottage cheese provides a unique texture and protein boost.
- → How can I make the sauce vegan-friendly?
Use plant-based cottage cheese and omit Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast to maintain savory notes.
- → What pasta types pair well with this sauce?
Shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti hold the creamy sauce nicely, enhancing each bite.
- → How do I adjust the sauce consistency?
Add reserved pasta water gradually while tossing pasta to achieve the desired smoothness and coating.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, blending in baby spinach or fresh herbs adds nutrition and brightens the flavor profile.
