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Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Basil Sauce

Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Basil Sauce for Cozy Weeknights

A quick and healthy Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Basil Sauce perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Any neutral oil can be used as a substitute.
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste; powdered garlic can be used in a pinch.
  • 1 14.5 oz can Diced Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can be used if in season.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste depending on dietary needs.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground is preferred for better flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional heat component.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano Fresh oregano can be used if available.
  • 1 cup Cottage Cheese, full-fat Low-fat cottage cheese is okay, but won't be as creamy.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil leaves Dried basil is less recommended as it lacks the vibrant flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Nutritional yeast can be used as a vegan alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Pasta Water Reserved from cooking pasta.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Blender

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and just turning golden.
  2. Pour in a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. Allow this mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove the mixture from heat and transfer it to a blender. Add 1 cup of cottage cheese, 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
  4. Return the blended sauce to the skillet and gently warm over low heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Toss the creamy sauce with cooked pasta of your choice until well coated, and optionally garnish with additional fresh basil and Parmesan before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 14gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.

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