Name: Spicy Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Kosher salt, to taste; 1 lb. penne pasta; 1 1/2 cups store-bought or homemade marinara sauce; 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese; 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 1 tablespoon Calabrian chile oil

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Introduction

This Spicy Cottage Cheese Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines the richness of cottage cheese with the heat of Calabrian chile oil. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.

A large white pot filled with creamy pinkish-orange penne pasta coated evenly in a smooth, rich sauce. The pasta is mixed well with some grated light-colored cheese sprinkled on top, adding texture. A wooden spoon with holes rests inside the pot, partially lifting some pasta, showing the thick sauce underneath with a slight red oily spot. Nearby, two small white bowls hold additional sauces – one creamy white and one bright red. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Kosher salt
1 lb. penne
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

Step 1: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, combine the marinara, cottage cheese, Parmesan, and Calabrian chile oil in a blender. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth.
Step 3: Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the blended sauce and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta, adding more pasta water as needed, until it is evenly coated and the sauce is warmed through.
Step 4: Divide the pasta among bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use homemade marinara for a fresher taste, or choose a high-quality store-bought sauce to save time.
Adjust the amount of Calabrian chile oil to control the heat level according to your preference.
For extra protein, stir in cooked chicken or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

How to Serve

A white round plate holds a serving of penne pasta coated in a creamy, light orange sauce. The pasta pieces are piled unevenly, with some lying flat and others leaning at angles, showing their ridged texture. Light white grated cheese is sprinkled over the top, adding a slightly fluffy texture to the dish. A silver fork rests on the plate, its prongs holding a few pieces of pasta, angled toward the bottom left. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with a glass of water visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, this sauce works well with many pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta type.

Is low-fat cottage cheese essential for this recipe?

Not necessarily. You can use full-fat or regular cottage cheese if you prefer a richer sauce, though low-fat keeps the dish lighter while still creamy.