Cottage Cheese Rose Pasta Sauce (High Protein Recipe)

I’ve got a recipe for you today that’s both creamy and delicious—Cottage Cheese Rosé Pasta Sauce. 

I know, cottage cheese in pasta sauce might sound a little weird, but trust me on this one. It’s the perfect way to make a rich, velvety sauce that’s still light and packed with protein. 

Plus, we’re using Rao’s pasta sauce, which is already amazing on its own, but we’re taking it to the next level. This simple yet impressive dish is sure to be added to your weekly rotation!

If you love this cottage cheese sauce you may also enjoy my Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse or my Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS COTTAGE CHEESE ROSE PASTA SAUCE

You’ll love this Cottage Cheese Rosé Pasta Sauce because it’s the perfect blend of creamy and tangy. It offers a rich, velvety texture without the heaviness of traditional cream-based sauces. 

The cottage cheese adds a boost of protein, making the sauce both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, with the depth of flavor from Rao’s pasta sauce, it’s a quick and easy way to elevate your pasta night with minimal effort. 

Whether you’re looking for a healthier option or just want to try something new, this sauce is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE CREAMY PASTA SAUCE

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the creamy tomato pasta (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Full-fat cottage cheese – can also use regular or fat-free cottage cheese for a less creamy consistency,
• Rao’s pasta sauce – can use the tomato basil sauce, marinara sauce, vodka sauce, etc.
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Pasta of choice – penne pasta, spaghetti, rigatoni, etc.
• Optional – fresh basil, garlic powder, onion powder, minced garlic, italian seasoning, olive oil, black pepper, ground beef, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE HIGH PROTEIN PASTA SAUCE

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. While that’s cooking, let’s get started on the sauce.
2. Add the cottage cheese and pasta sauce to a high-speed blender or food processor and blend until it’s super smooth and creamy. This is what’s going to make our sauce rich without being heavy.
3. Once your pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly into the skillet. Then add the sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta is coated in that creamy, dreamy rosé sauce.
4. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top if you’re feeling extra cheesy.

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER CREAMY TOMATO COTTAGE CHEESE PASTA

• Cool Completely: Allow the cottage cheese rose pasta sauce to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.
• Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the leftover pasta to an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Place the container in the refrigerator as soon as possible. The pasta will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or water to the pasta while reheating to help maintain its creamy texture.
• Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cottage cheese and sauce can become grainy after thawing.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Blend the Cottage Cheese Smoothly: For the creamiest sauce, blend the cottage cheese until it’s completely smooth. This ensures a velvety texture that mimics traditional cream sauces.
• Use High-Quality Pasta Sauce: Rao’s pasta sauce is recommended for its rich flavor, but any high-quality tomato sauce will work. The better the sauce, the better the overall flavor.
• Season to Taste: After combining the sauce, taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and maybe even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Don’t Overcook the Sauce: Once the cottage cheese is mixed into the tomato sauce, simmer gently on low heat. Overcooking can cause the sauce to thicken too much or the cheese to lose its creaminess.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Choose the Right Pasta: This sauce pairs well with any pasta, but it’s especially good with short, ridged pasta like penne or rigatoni, which hold the sauce well. Or spaghetti pasta served with garlic bread.
• Add Protein: If you want to boost the protein content even more, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to the dish.

FAQS

IS THIS A GOOD MEAL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY?

Definitely! This creamy cottage cheese pasta sauce is a delicious meal that the whole family will love, and it’s easy to customize with different add-ins.

WHY IS THIS SOMETIMES CALLED PINK SAUCE?

The sauce is often called “pink sauce” because the combination of tomato sauce and cottage cheese gives it a lovely pink hue, similar to a traditional rosé sauce.

WHAT SHOULD I USE TO STIR THE SAUCE?

A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the sauce as it helps to combine the ingredients gently without damaging your cookware.

HOW CAN I MAKE THIS A COMPLETE DELICIOUS MEAL?

To make it a complete meal, consider adding ground turkey, chicken breast, diced onions, or other veggies for added protein and flavor.

CAN I USE AN IMMERSION BLENDER TO MIX THE SAUCE?

Yes, an immersion blender is a great way to make the sauce extra smooth and creamy, especially if you want to blend the cottage cheese directly into the tomato sauce.

IS THIS A GOOD SAUCE FOR MEAL PREP?

Absolutely! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and toss with fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat.

Other High Protein Recipes Using Cottage Cheese!

• Edible Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough
• Cottage Cheese Queso Dip
• Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
• High Protein Healthy Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
• Copycat Starbucks Egg White Bites
• Cottage Cheese Pizza Flatbread
• Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip With Cottage Cheese
• 3 Ingredient Creamy Ranch Dip
• High Protein Hamburger Helper
• High Protein Cookie Dough Bites
• Cottage Cheese Flatbread
• Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Toast

IF YOU TRIED THIS DELICIOUS COTTAGE CHEESE PASTA PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS CREAMY TOMATO SAUCE RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails