Go Back
For this creamy cottage cheese red pepper pasta, I recommend using penne or fusilli. Both shapes hold sauce well. Penne has ridges that catch the creamy sauce. Fusilli twists make every bite flavorful. Aim for about 8 ounces of pasta. This amount serves two to three people perfectly. The star of this dish is cottage cheese. Use one cup of full-fat cottage cheese for the best creaminess. It adds richness without heavy cream. Next, roast one large red bell pepper until it’s charred and diced. This adds a sweet and smoky flavor. Don’t forget one clove of finely minced garlic to boost the taste. A tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil adds healthy fats. For herbs, use a teaspoon of dried basil and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a hint of warmth. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. To make your dish shine, consider adding fresh basil leaves as a garnish. They give a lovely aroma and bright color. If you want a bit more indulgence, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This adds a salty, nutty flavor that balances the creaminess perfectly. You can also adjust seasonings based on your taste. Some extra pepper can kick up the flavor! To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring this water to a boil. Once it bubbles, add 8 oz of your chosen pasta. I like penne or fusilli for this dish. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8–10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta, but save about 1/2 cup of the water for later. Set the pasta aside for now. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1 finely minced clove of garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it to smell good, but don’t let it burn. This step brings out a rich flavor that makes your dish shine. Now, grab a bowl and add 1 cup of cottage cheese. I recommend using full-fat for a richer taste. Next, add the diced roasted red bell pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper too. Blend this mixture using a hand blender or food processor. You want it to be smooth and creamy, like a dreamy sauce. In the skillet with your sautéed garlic, add the cooked pasta. Then, pour the creamy cottage cheese mixture over the pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water, one spoon at a time. Toss everything together well, ensuring each piece of pasta gets coated in that creamy goodness. Taste the pasta to see if it needs more seasoning. Adjust with extra salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. Once it’s just right, serve the pasta on plates. For a lovely touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy this creamy delight! To get that rich, creamy texture in your pasta, use full-fat cottage cheese. It blends smoothly and gives your dish a nice creaminess. When mixing, use a hand blender or food processor. This helps break down the curds and creates a velvety sauce. If your sauce looks thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Just a little at a time will help reach the perfect creaminess. Seasonings bring your dish to life. Start with fresh garlic sautéed in olive oil for a great base. Adding dried basil and smoked paprika gives depth. Don’t forget to taste as you go. A pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper can make a big difference. Feel free to experiment with other herbs, like oregano or thyme, to find your favorite flavor. A beautiful plate makes the meal even better. Use a ring mold to shape the pasta on the plate. This gives it a nice, round look. Drizzle a little olive oil around the edges for a polished finish. Top with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese for that gourmet touch. Your dish will look as good as it tastes! {{image_4}} You can boost this dish by adding protein. Chicken or shrimp works great. If you use chicken, grill or sauté it first. Dice it into small pieces. Add it to your pasta when you mix in the sauce. For shrimp, simply sauté them in olive oil until they turn pink. Then toss them in with the pasta. Both options add flavor and make this dish heartier. If you prefer a veggie twist, try zucchini or spinach. For zucchini, slice it thin and sauté with garlic. Mix it with the pasta for added crunch. Spinach is also a great choice. Simply toss in fresh spinach at the end of cooking. It wilts quickly and adds a nice color. Both options keep your meal light and fresh. Need a gluten-free choice? There are many pasta substitutes available. Try rice pasta or chickpea pasta. These options mimic the texture of regular pasta. Cook them just like you would traditional pasta. They pair well with the creamy sauce. Enjoy a delicious meal without gluten, and still get that creamy goodness. Storing leftover Creamy Cottage Cheese Red Pepper Pasta is simple. First, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep out air. This helps maintain freshness. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, proper storage is key. Reheating this pasta dish is easy. You can use the stovetop or microwave. If you choose the stovetop, add the pasta to a skillet. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Heat over medium heat, stirring often until it warms through. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps ensure even warming without drying it out. Freezing is a great option for long-term storage. To freeze, portion the pasta into individual servings. Place each portion in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label each bag with the date for easy tracking. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the stovetop or microwave for the best taste. Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese. However, it may not be as creamy. Full-fat cottage cheese gives the best texture. It adds richness and depth to the sauce. If you want a lighter option, low-fat works. Just know it might change the flavor a bit. To spice things up, add crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. You can also use hot sauce for heat. Another option is to add a diced jalapeño while cooking the garlic. This will bring a nice kick to the dish. Penne or fusilli works best for this recipe. Both shapes hold the sauce well. Penne has tubes that trap the creamy mix. Fusilli’s curls catch every bit of flavor. You can try other shapes, but stick to these for the best results. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and make the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, just combine and heat. This makes for a quick meal on busy days. In this post, we explored how to make a creamy pasta dish. You learned about choosing the right pasta and key ingredients for creaminess. I guided you through each cooking step, from boiling the pasta to sautéing garlic. You discovered tips for great texture and flavor. We also discussed tasty variations and easy storage methods. Embrace these methods and make this dish your own. Happy cooking!

Creamy Cottage Cheese Red Pepper Pasta

Discover the rich flavors of creamy cottage cheese red pepper pasta in this easy recipe! Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this delightful dish combines al dente pasta with a smooth cottage cheese sauce, roasted red peppers, and aromatic herbs. Learn how to create a satisfying meal in just 25 minutes. Ready to impress your family or friends? Click through for the full recipe and bring this delicious pasta to your table tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli for best results)

1 cup cottage cheese, preferably full-fat for creaminess

1 large red bell pepper, roasted until charred and diced

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for an aromatic garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional but recommended)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring plenty of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water for later use. Set the pasta aside.

    Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.

      Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, roasted red pepper, dried basil, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a hand blender or food processor to blend the mixture until it achieves a smooth and creamy consistency.

        Combine Ingredients: In the skillet with the sautéed garlic, add the cooked pasta, then pour the creamy cottage cheese mixture over the top. If the sauce appears too thick for your liking, slowly incorporate the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired creamy consistency is achieved. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

          Taste and Adjust: Sample the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly cracked pepper as necessary to enhance the flavors.

            Serve: Divide the pasta onto serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an added touch of indulgence.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 2-3

                Presentation Tips: For an elegant presentation, consider using a ring mold to shape the pasta on the plate, and drizzle a little olive oil around the edges for a beautiful finish.