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
I often rely on this sauce when I need a fast, delicious meal that feels comforting yet healthy
Ingredients
- 1 cup (150 g) sun-dried tomatoes: packed in oil drained or rehydrated if dry
- 1 cup (240 g) cottage cheese:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil:
- 2 garlic cloves: peeled
- 1/4 cup (15 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt:
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper:
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional):
- 400 g (14 oz) dried pasta: penne fusilli or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil: 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 to Pinterest This sauce always brings my family together around the dinner table especially on busy weeknights
Nutritional Information
Calories 420 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 49 g Protein 17 g per serving
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cottage cheese Parmesan) Contains wheat/gluten (pasta) For gluten-free use gluten-free pasta
Required Tools
Large pot Blender or food processor Measuring cups and spoons Knife and cutting board
Save to Pinterest This sauce adds a flavorful punch to your pasta with minimal effort
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes for the sauce?
Yes, dried sun-dried tomatoes can be rehydrated before blending to achieve the desired texture and flavor.
- → What pasta types work best with this sauce?
Shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti hold this creamy sauce well, allowing it to coat each piece evenly.
- → How can I make the sauce vegan-friendly?
Substitute plant-based cottage cheese and omit or replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- → Is this sauce suitable for storing ahead of time?
Yes, it can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated gently before serving.
- → Can I add vegetables to enhance the sauce?
Adding baby spinach to the blender imparts extra freshness and nutrients without overpowering the flavors.