Description
This creamy cottage cheese tomato basil sauce offers a fresh, cozy, and protein-packed alternative to traditional cream-based pasta sauces. Blending full-fat cottage cheese with sweet tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil creates a velvety, luscious sauce that perfectly clings to your favorite pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, this budget-friendly and easy recipe delivers classic Italian comfort with a lighter twist.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (small curd)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t brown to avoid bitterness.
- Simmer the tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Blend the sauce: Transfer the tomato mixture to a blender. Add cottage cheese, fresh basil leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese. Blend on high speed for 30–60 seconds until the sauce becomes completely smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the texture: Pour the blended sauce back into the skillet. Stir in the reserved pasta water and warm the sauce gently over low heat for 2–3 minutes until heated through, allowing the starch to help the sauce cling to pasta.
- Serve: Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta such as rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti, or spoon it over roasted vegetables or grilled chicken. Garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture; low-fat versions will be less smooth.
- Don’t skip the pasta water, as its starch helps the sauce adhere beautifully to noodles.
- Blend thoroughly to ensure a velvety smooth consistency.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or milk if the sauce thickens.
- This sauce is not freezer-friendly due to the dairy content which may turn grainy upon freezing.
