Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This creamy cottage cheese tomato basil sauce is a fresh and flavorful twist on classic tomato sauce. It’s smooth, rich, and easy to make, perfect for tossing with pasta or drizzling over roasted vegetables and grilled chicken.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat, 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 pasta water (reserved from boiling pasta)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
2. Step 2: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice. Add salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and dried oregano. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Step 3: Transfer the tomato mixture to a blender. Add the cottage cheese, fresh basil leaves, and grated Parmesan. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Pour the blended sauce back into the skillet. Stir in the reserved pasta water and warm gently for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
5. Step 5: Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta or spoon it over roasted vegetables or grilled chicken. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh tomatoes in season for an extra vibrant flavor.
• Swap out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
• For a vegan version, substitute cottage cheese and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
• Adding a splash of white wine before simmering the tomatoes can deepen the sauce’s flavor.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or pasta water to restore the creamy texture if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, you can, but full-fat cottage cheese gives the sauce a richer and creamier texture. Using low-fat versions may make the sauce less creamy.

Is this sauce good for freezing?

It’s best enjoyed fresh for the creamiest texture. Freezing may change the texture of the sauce slightly due to the dairy, but you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw slowly and stir well before reheating.

Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 99 reviews

This Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Basil Sauce is a luscious, healthier alternative to traditional cream-based pasta sauces. Combining the tangy richness of full-fat cottage cheese with the bright flavors of fresh basil and seasoned tomatoes, this sauce is blended smooth for a velvety texture that’s perfect tossed with your favorite pasta or drizzled over roasted vegetables and grilled chicken.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup full-fat, small curd cottage cheese
• 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 (from boiling pasta)

Instructions

1. Sauté the garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to develop a fragrant base for the sauce.
2. Add tomatoes and seasoning: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Add salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and dried oregano. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly, concentrating the flavors.
3. Blend the sauce: Transfer the tomato mixture to a blender. Add the full-fat cottage cheese, fresh basil leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.
4. Adjust the texture: Return the blended sauce to the skillet. Stir in the reserved pasta water and gently warm the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes over low heat, just until heated through and silky in texture.
5. Serve and enjoy: Toss the sauce with your favorite cooked pasta such as rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti, or use it as a flavorful topping for roasted vegetables or grilled chicken. Garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

• Use full-fat, small curd cottage cheese for the creamiest and richest sauce texture.
• Reserve some pasta water to thin out the sauce to your preferred consistency.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference or omit for a milder sauce.
• This sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of pastas, roasted vegetables, and proteins like chicken.
• For a smoother sauce, ensure thorough blending and warm gently on low heat to avoid curdling.

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Sauce, Tomato Basil Sauce, Creamy Pasta Sauce, Healthy Pasta Sauce, Gluten Free Sauce, Italian Sauce