Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb orecchiette pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- Kosher salt, to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cottage cheese (2% or 4% recommended)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente as per package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta using a colander. Return pasta to the pot or transfer it to a large serving bowl.
- Prepare Creamy Pesto Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the basil pesto, cottage cheese, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the creamy pesto sauce over the cooked pasta and stir well to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes, fresh basil leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta as garnish. Serve the dish warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Choose orecchiette or any pasta shape that holds sauces well for the best texture.
- Use 2% or 4% cottage cheese for a creamier sauce; low-fat versions may result in a thinner consistency.
- Reserve some pasta water as its starch helps achieve a smooth and silky sauce.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- The dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture optimally.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
