Description
This Spicy Cottage Cheese Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender penne pasta with a smooth blend of marinara, low-fat cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and spicy Calabrian chile oil. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb. penne
- Kosher salt
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups store-bought or homemade marinara
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- 1 tbsp Calabrian chile oil
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Prepare Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, combine the marinara, low-fat cottage cheese, finely grated Parmesan, and Calabrian chile oil in a blender. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot and add the blended sauce along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta thoroughly, adding more pasta water as needed, until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce is warmed through.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among serving bowls and top with additional Parmesan cheese to taste. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water as it helps to adjust the sauce consistency and helps it stick to the pasta better.
- You can use homemade marinara for a fresher taste or store-bought for convenience.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of Calabrian chile oil or omit it altogether.
- This dish can be made with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley on top can enhance the flavor and presentation.
