Name: Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce with Roasted Red Peppers and Basil Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb rigatoni pasta, or pasta of your choice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 15 oz can diced tomatoes; 16 oz jar roasted red peppers, drained; 3/4 cup cottage cheese (4% milkfat recommended); 2 tablespoons fresh basil, plus extra for serving; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; Parmesan cheese; Crushed red pepper flakes; Basil leaves

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 78 reviews

If you’re looking for a pasta sauce that is both hearty and wholesome, then you’ve just found your next favorite! This Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce with Roasted Red Peppers and Basil Recipe combines silky cottage cheese with vibrant roasted red peppers and fresh basil for a sauce that’s bursting with flavor and texture. It’s protein-packed, easy to prepare, and perfectly balanced between creamy and tangy. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving comfort food with a nutritious twist, this recipe promises to delight every palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A light blue pot filled with bright red tomato sauce mixed with small, soft chunks of tomatoes and bits of onion sits on a white marbled surface. A dark wooden spoon is stirring the sauce, lifting a portion that shows a mix of chunky tomato pieces and translucent onion throughout the thick red liquid. Around the pot on the marble are scattered fresh green basil leaves, adding a fresh touch to the scene. The pot's interior is cream-colored with light orange sauce stains along the sides, highlighting the cooking process. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this sauce plays a vital role in creating its signature flavor, texture, and color. From the sweet roasted red peppers to the aromatic basil, every component is simple yet essential to this recipe’s success.

Rigatoni pasta (1 lb): A sturdy pasta shape that holds the sauce beautifully for every bite.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps to sauté the aromatics perfectly.
Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness and depth once softened.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Gives the sauce a warm, aromatic pop that makes it irresistible.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates tomato flavor for richness without extra liquid.
Diced tomatoes (15 oz can): Adds fresh, bright acidity and juicy texture.
Roasted red peppers (16 oz jar, drained): Brings smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
Cottage cheese (3/4 cup): The star ingredient creating creaminess and protein-packed goodness.
Fresh basil (2 tablespoons, plus extra): Infuses the sauce with herbaceous brightness that’s simply uplifting.
Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A blend that rounds out the flavors with subtle herbal notes.
Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, and basil leaves (for serving): Perfect finishing touches adding texture, heat, and fresh aroma.

How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce with Roasted Red Peppers and Basil Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the pasta al dente ensures a delightful bite that won’t get mushy once tossed with the sauce. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to await its delicious new partner.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft. Then add the minced garlic, stirring for one more minute until fragrant. This builds a savory base that elevates the entire sauce.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Base

Mix in the tomato paste first to deepen flavor, followed by the canned diced tomatoes. Let this simmer just a couple of minutes to meld the ingredients before blending everything smooth. Taking this extra step guarantees a lush texture.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce

Transfer the tomato mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the drained roasted red peppers, cottage cheese, fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until perfectly smooth and creamy, transforming simple ingredients into a velvety sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Warm

Pour the blended sauce back into the pot, warming it gently over medium-low heat. Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat each rib and hollow with the luscious sauce. Taste for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed to make every forkful sing.

How to Serve Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce with Roasted Red Peppers and Basil Recipe

The image shows a close-up of rigatoni pasta covered in a thick, rich orange-red sauce inside a white pot with a black rim. The pasta pieces are large and tubular, layered evenly throughout the pot. On top, there are scattered thin, white shavings of cheese and fresh, thinly sliced green basil leaves. A few whole basil leaves add more color to the dish. A wooden spoon partially scoops some pasta from the right side of the pot. In the background, there is a small white dish with red chili flakes and a white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish, while crushed red pepper flakes bring a subtle heat contrast. Fresh basil leaves scattered on top provide an inviting pop of green and aroma that ties the dish together beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness or garlic bread to soak up every last bite of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple caprese salad also pair wonderfully for a wholesome Italian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce with Roasted Red Peppers and Basil Recipe over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a lighter yet equally satisfying option. You can also layer it as a sauce in baked pasta casseroles or dollop on grilled chicken or meatballs for variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Store cooked pasta separately if possible to maintain texture, then combine when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the sauce by itself for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the sauce on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if it feels too thick. Toss with freshly cooked pasta for best results, or microwave in short bursts if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can, but using full-fat cottage cheese offers the creamiest texture and richest flavor. Low-fat versions might make the sauce slightly less creamy but still delicious.

What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

Pasta with ridges or hollow shapes like rigatoni, penne, or ziti work best as they trap the sauce wonderfully. However, any pasta style you prefer will be tasty with this sauce.

Can I make this sauce vegan?

To veganize this recipe, substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based creamy alternative such as cashew cream or tofu blended with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.

How long does it take to prepare this sauce?

Total time is about 25 minutes, including pasta cooking and sauce blending, making it a quick weeknight meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the creamy texture and mild flavor, and it’s a great way to sneak in extra protein and vegetables. You might want to go easy on crushed red pepper flakes depending on their spice tolerance.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce with Roasted Red Peppers and Basil Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that feels indulgent yet wholesome. It’s simple enough to whip up after a busy day but also impressive enough to share with guests. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a comforting staple in your kitchen soon!