Imagine a dish that combines the rich, hearty flavor of Italian sausage with the unexpected creaminess of cottage cheese, all nestled perfectly with al dente pasta. This isn't just another pasta recipe – it's a game-changing culinary experience that will transform your weeknight dinner routine from ordinary to extraordinary. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your family with a meal that's both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove Italian sausage from casings and add to the skillet.
- Break up the sausage with a wooden spoon or spatula, cooking until it's browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add marinara sauce to the cooked sausage. Stir to combine and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cottage cheese until smooth. This will help create a creamy sauce when combined with the pasta.
- Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Add the sausage and marinara mixture, cottage cheese, and grated Parmesan.
- Gently fold all ingredients together. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Cottage Cheese Pasta Sausage!
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining – its starchy magic helps create a silky, cohesive sauce.
- Break the sausage into small, uniform pieces for even cooking and better distribution throughout the dish.
- Smooth out the cottage cheese thoroughly to ensure a creamy, lump-free sauce.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor profile.
- Don't overcook the pasta – aim for that perfect al dente texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage like spicy Italian or mild, depending on your preference.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter when mixing the final ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 734kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 100mg
