Hey y'all! Ready to transform your everyday pasta into something utterly delicious and surprisingly healthy? Meet your new go-to: Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Basil Sauce. Rich, velvety, and packed with fresh flavors, this sauce comes together in a snap and is perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or impressing friends with a healthy twist on a favorite classic. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Basil Sauce
- It’s extra creamy and packs in extra protein from cottage cheese.
- Perfect for busy nights—ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Loaded with fresh tomato and basil flavor for a vibrant, summery taste.
- Versatile: Enjoy over pasta, zoodles, chicken, or roasted vegetables.
- Light yet comforting, making it ideal for health-conscious eaters.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Basil Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (or use 3 cups ripe, chopped tomatoes)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions: How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Basil Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it brown.
Step 2: Simmer the Tomatoes
Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Stir to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook, uncovered, for 12-15 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
Step 3: Blend with Cottage Cheese
Turn off the heat and allow the sauce to cool for 2-3 minutes. Carefully transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender. Add the cottage cheese and grated Parmesan. Blend for about 1-2 minutes, or until completely smooth and creamy. (For reference, learn how to safely blend hot liquids.)
Step 4: Stir in Fresh Basil
Return the blended sauce to the pan (if removed). Stir in the chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Warm sauce over low heat for another 2-3 minutes if desired.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle over pasta, zoodles, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with more fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan if you like. Enjoy!
Notes for Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Basil Sauce
- For the smoothest sauce, opt for small curd cottage cheese.
- This sauce is naturally gluten-free—just check your Parmesan and tomato products for cross-contamination.
- If using fresh tomatoes, peel and deseed them for the smoothest texture.
Variations: Customize Your Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Basil Sauce
- Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne during simmering.
- Roasted Garlic: Swap sautéed garlic for roasted garlic for a deeper flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based cottage cheese and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Equipment Required
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Blender or immersion blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Storage Instructions for Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Basil Sauce
Allow sauce to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain creaminess.
Serving Recommendations: Make the Most of Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Basil Sauce
- Toss with your favorite pasta or veggie noodles.
- Spoon over grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted eggplant.
- Use as a pizza sauce base for a fun, protein-rich twist.
- Serve with crusty bread as a dipping sauce for appetizers.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Basil Sauce
- For a super-rich texture, add a splash of half-and-half or oat milk when blending (see creamy sauce tips).
- Always blend the sauce until completely silky—don’t rush this step!
- Stir in the basil at the end to preserve its fresh, aromatic flavor.
FAQ: Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Basil Sauce Help
- Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
- Yes! Ricotta works well for an even milder, creamier texture, though it has slightly more fat and fewer grams of protein per serving.
- Is this sauce suitable for meal prep?
- Absolutely—the sauce holds up beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for prepping ahead.
- Can I make this nut-free and gluten-free?
- The recipe is naturally nut-free and gluten-free, just double-check your Parmesan and tomato labels for allergen info.
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat or low fat)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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2Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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3Turn off the heat. Using an immersion blender or countertop blender, add the cottage cheese to the tomato sauce and blend until completely smooth and creamy.
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4Return the sauce to the pan, add chopped basil, and stir to combine. Heat gently for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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5Serve hot over cooked pasta or grains. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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