Save 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 quickly became my go-to for busy evenings because it combines bold flavors with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- Main Sauce: 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)
- To Serve: 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 This recipe is a family favorite that brings everyone together around the dinner table with smiles and second helpings.
Notes
For a vegan option use plant-based cottage cheese and omit Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast Add a handful of baby spinach to the blender for extra greens Excellent paired with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days
Required Tools
Large pot Blender or food processor Measuring cups and spoons Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cottage cheese Parmesan) Contains wheat gluten (pasta) Always check labels for potential allergens in store-bought products
Save This sun-dried tomato and cottage cheese sauce is a delicious quick fix for any pasta night, sure to impress your family and friends.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use dry sun-dried tomatoes for the sauce?
Yes, dry sun-dried tomatoes can be rehydrated by soaking them in warm water before blending to ensure a smooth texture.
- → What pasta types work best with this sauce?
Shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use your preferred pasta.
- → How can I make the sauce vegan-friendly?
Substitute dairy-based cottage cheese with plant-based alternatives and replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or omit it.
- → Is it possible to prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just give it a good stir before serving.
- → How do I adjust the sauce’s consistency if it’s too thick?
Add reserved pasta cooking water gradually while tossing the pasta to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- → Can I enhance the sauce with additional greens?
Yes, adding a handful of baby spinach to the blender mixture is a great way to incorporate extra greens and nutrients.