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.
I first made this creamy sun-dried tomato spinach cottage cheese pasta for a quick weeknight dinner and it became an instant family favorite
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 dent 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 This dish always brings everyone to the table with smiles and seconds
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 Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful pasta as a delightful addition to your meal rotation
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal to hold the creamy sauce well.
- → Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Fresh tomatoes will change the flavor profile; sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated tanginess key to this dish.
- → How to make the sauce silkier?
Blending the cottage cheese before adding it creates a smoother, creamier texture.
- → Is it possible to add protein to the dish?
Yes, grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms can be incorporated for extra protein.
- → Can I substitute dairy ingredients for alternatives?
Ricotta or cream cheese can replace cottage cheese for variations in taste and texture.