Spicy Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe
A creamy and spicy cottage cheese pasta recipe featuring penne tossed in a smooth blend of marinara, low-fat cottage cheese, Parmesan, and Calabrian chile oil for a quick and flavorful dinner.
CourseMain Course
CuisineItalian
KeywordSpicy Cottage Cheese Pasta, penne pasta recipe, creamy pasta, Calabrian chile oil pasta, quick pasta dish, healthy pasta recipe, Italian pasta with cottage cheese, Stovetop
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings6 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 tablespoon Calabrian chile oil
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- While the pasta cooks, combine the marinara, low-fat cottage cheese, Parmesan, and Calabrian chile oil in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the blended sauce and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss gently, adding more pasta water as needed until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce is warmed through.
- Divide the pasta among serving bowls and top each with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicier kick, add extra Calabrian chile oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Cottage cheese can be swapped with ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency and helping it cling to the pasta.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.