Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce With Roasted Red Pepper Swirl

Looking for a pasta sauce that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly healthy? This Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce with Roasted Red Pepper Swirl is a game-changer! It’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra protein and create a luscious, comforting meal without relying on heavy creams or excessive fats. The roasted red pepper adds a beautiful sweetness and smoky depth, while the cottage cheese provides a wonderfully creamy texture you won’t believe. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Get ready to redefine your pasta night!

What You’ll Need

• 250 g (9 oz) low‑fat cottage cheese: This is the star of the show! Low-fat cottage cheese provides a fantastic creamy base for the sauce while keeping it lighter. Make sure to choose a smooth variety for the best texture. Full-fat cottage cheese can also be used for an even richer sauce.
• 200 ml (¾ cup) whole milk or plant-based milk: The milk helps to loosen the cottage cheese and create a smooth, pourable sauce. Whole milk will result in a richer sauce, while plant-based milk (like almond, soy, or oat milk) offers a dairy-free alternative. Unsweetened and unflavored is best.
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits. It’s used to sauté the aromatics, building the foundation of the sauce’s flavor profile.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic is essential for a vibrant flavor. Don’t skimp – garlic adds a wonderful depth to the sauce.
• 1 small onion, finely diced: The onion provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base. Dicing it finely ensures it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
• 1 large red bell pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded, pureed (≈150 g / 5 oz): Roasting the red pepper intensifies its sweetness and adds a smoky flavor. Roasting instructions are included in the full recipe.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a beautiful smoky flavor that complements the roasted red pepper perfectly. It’s a key ingredient for creating depth and complexity.
• ½ tsp ground cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy note that balances the sweetness of the red pepper and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Seasoning is crucial! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking to bring out the flavors of the sauce.
• 400 g (14 oz) cooked pasta such as penne or fusilli: Choose your favorite pasta shape! Penne and fusilli work particularly well as they hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish: Fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous finish to the dish.
• Optional: 2 Tbsp (10 g) grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor, while nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor for a vegan option.

Substitutions & Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Cottage Cheese: If you don’t have cottage cheese, you could experiment with ricotta cheese, but the texture will be slightly different.
• Red Bell Pepper: Yellow or orange bell peppers can be used instead of red, but the flavor will be milder.
• Milk: Coconut milk can be used for a richer, dairy-free sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce

1. Roast the Red Pepper: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place the red bell pepper directly on a baking sheet. Roasting the pepper this way, rather than chopping it first, concentrates its sweetness and allows the skin to blister and blacken easily, making it simple to peel. Roast for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the skin is blackened on all sides.
2. Steam and Peel the Pepper: Immediately transfer the roasted pepper to a bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap (or place it in a paper bag). This steaming process loosens the skin. Let it sit for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, the skin should peel off easily. Remove the skin, seeds, and stem.
3. Purée the Roasted Pepper: Place the peeled and seeded roasted red pepper into a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth. A smooth purée is crucial for achieving that beautiful swirl effect in the final dish. Set aside approximately 150g (5oz) of purée for the sauce and garnish.
4. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until translucent and softened. This builds a flavorful base for the sauce. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
5. Bloom the Spices: Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This process, known as “blooming” the spices, releases their essential oils and enhances their flavor.
6. Create the Creamy Sauce: Add the cottage cheese and milk to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break up the cottage cheese as it melts into the sauce. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, for 5-6 minutes, or until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened. The gentle simmering ensures the sauce doesn’t scorch and allows the flavors to meld.
7. Incorporate the Red Pepper: Gently fold half of the roasted red pepper purée into the cottage cheese sauce. Don’t overmix; you want to create a marbled effect, not a uniformly red sauce. This creates visual appeal and pockets of intense roasted red pepper flavor.
8. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water – the starch in the water helps to bind the sauce and pasta together.
9. Plate and Garnish: Plate the pasta in shallow bowls. Drizzle the reserved roasted red pepper purée in a long ribbon across the top of each serving, allowing it to swirl into the sauce. Finish with torn fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast.

Why Cottage Cheese Makes an Amazing Sauce Base

Cottage cheese is a surprisingly versatile ingredient for pasta sauces! Its mild flavor readily absorbs the flavors of other ingredients, and its high protein content contributes to a wonderfully creamy texture without relying on heavy cream. The fermentation process in cottage cheese also adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the roasted red pepper beautifully. It’s a healthier and more affordable alternative to traditional cream-based sauces.

Tips for the Perfect Roasted Red Pepper Purée

Achieving a vibrant and flavorful roasted red pepper purée is key to this dish. Ensure the pepper is fully blackened during roasting – this is where the smoky flavor comes from. Don’t skip the steaming step; it makes peeling the skin effortless. For an even smoother purée, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending, removing any remaining skin fragments.

Adjusting the Spice Level

The smoked paprika and cumin provide a subtle warmth to the sauce. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce along with the other spices. Alternatively, use a spicier variety of smoked paprika. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Pasta Pairing Suggestions

While penne and fusilli work wonderfully with this sauce due to their ridges that capture the creamy sauce, other pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), or even shells would also be delicious. Consider using a high-quality pasta made with durum wheat semolina for the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, including almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
• Can I make this sauce ahead of time? The sauce is best served immediately, but you can prepare the roasted red pepper purée and sauté the aromatics ahead of time.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta.

This Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce with Roasted Red Pepper Swirl is a delightful and surprisingly easy dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

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