Save A luscious, protein-rich pasta dish featuring creamy cottage cheese, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and tender spinach, tossed with al dente pasta for a satisfying and nourishing meal.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite because of its comforting flavors and healthy ingredients.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) short pasta (penne fusilli or rigatoni)
- Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 small yellow onion finely chopped 3 garlic cloves minced 120 g (3/4 cup) sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and sliced 150 g (5 oz) baby spinach leaves 250 g (1 cup) cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat) 60 ml (1/4 cup) whole milk or reserved pasta water 40 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Garnish: Extra grated Parmesan cheese Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water then drain.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 3 minutes until translucent.
- Step 3:
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Add the spinach and cook stirring until wilted (about 1 2 minutes).
- Step 6:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cottage cheese milk (or reserved pasta water) and Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and heated through. Season with Italian herbs salt pepper and red pepper flakes as desired.
- Step 7:
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick add a little more reserved pasta water.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Save Preparing this dish often sparks heartfelt conversations around our dinner table.
Notes
Substitute ricotta or cream cheese for a different flavor. Add grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein.
Required Tools
Large pot Large skillet Wooden spoon or spatula Colander Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cottage cheese Parmesan) Wheat (pasta) May contain Eggs (if using egg-based pasta) Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Save This creamy pasta dish is perfect for a quick nutritious meal that everyone will enjoy.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use different pasta shapes for this dish?
Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best to hold the creamy sauce, but feel free to use your favorite.
- → How can I make the sauce silkier?
Blending the cottage cheese before mixing it with other ingredients will create a smoother, silkier sauce texture.
- → Is it possible to substitute cottage cheese?
Ricotta or cream cheese can be used as alternatives, each adding a different mild creaminess to the sauce.
- → What herbs enhance this pasta combination?
Dried Italian herbs complement the dish well, adding aromatic depth without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- → How to adjust the sauce consistency if it's too thick?
Add reserved pasta water gradually to thin the sauce while maintaining creaminess and flavor balance.