When it comes to making a homemade pasta sauce, I always stick to simplicity. This is truly so easy to make and is also a very forgiving recipe! As for the hidden protein…. *cottage cheese enters the chat*

Ingredients:

  • 400g pasta of choice, cooked 
  • 5-6 tomatoes (roma or vine), chopped
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil 
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp oregano 
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes 
  • salt & pepper, to taste 
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped 
  • 200g Cottage Cheese 
  • 1/3 cup pasta water

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining. While the pasta cooks, start preparing the sauce.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Season the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the garlic powder, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and allow the tomatoes to break down fully, creating a rich base for the sauce.
  4. Add Fresh Herbs & Cottage Cheese: Stir in the fresh parsley and basil, then add the cottage cheese. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce, mixing well to combine.
  5. Blend for a Smooth Texture (Optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Return the sauce to the pan and add the cooked pasta, stirring until well coated.
  6. Serve & Enjoy: Top with shaved parmesan, extra parsley, and chili flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Hidden Protein Tomato Pasta

Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cuisine Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 400 grams pasta of choice, cooked I used rigatoni pasta
  • 5-6 tomatoes (roma or vine)
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 200 grams cottage cheese
  • 1/3 cup pasta water

Instructions
 

  • 1. Start by boiling water and cooking the pasta as per package instructions (be sure to save  some of that pasta water). While this is happening, you’ll get started on the sauce! 
    2. In a large pan on medium-high add olive oil and onions, and then sauté  for 2-3 minutes or until the onions are translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes and continue to sauté for 3-4 minutes before adding the minced garlic. 
    3. Add the dry seasonings: garlic powder, oregano, chili flakes, salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat down to medium-low and mix to combine. Allow to sauté until the tomatoes have broken down if they haven’t already. 
    4. Add the fresh parsley and basil, and then the @good culture cottage cheese (I used the low-fat one this time!). Finally, add the pasta water to thin out the sauce, mixing to combine. 
    5. You can stop here if you like* but I like to blend my sauces! Blend the sauce until smooth using an immersion or regular blender. Add back into the saucepan or a pot, and then add your cooked pasta to combine. 
    6. Optional Toppings: shaved parmesan cheese, extra parsley and chili flakes!