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Rigatoni pasta coated in creamy tomato cottage cheese sauce, sprinkled with herbs and cheese.

Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce

This tomato cottage cheese pasta sauce is protein-packed, smooth, and rich without using cream. Made with pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a simple, high-protein pasta sauce perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or budget-friendly meals.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 (gives about 2-2.5 cups of sauce)
Author: Shilpa

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon red chili flakes optional
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 14.5 oz (or fire-roasted tomatoes)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz rigatoni or pasta of choice
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water as needed for consistency

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red chili flakes and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Let the tomato mixture cool slightly, then transfer it to a high-speed blender. Add cottage cheese and Parmesan, and blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  • Return the sauce to the skillet over low heat. Add pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency.
  • Toss in the cooked pasta and stir until coated. Let it sit off the heat for 1-2 minutes before serving. Top with fresh basil leaves and more Parmesan just before serving.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture.
  • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or sugar if your tomatoes are too acidic.
  • Store leftover sauce (without pasta) in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 474mg | Potassium: 589mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 548IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 181mg | Iron: 3mg
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