Hey there, pasta lovers!
Are you in the mood for something rich and creamy? I’ve got a special treat for you today!
Get ready to whip up a delicious cottage cheese vodka pasta sauce.
It’s smooth, flavorful, and adds a fun twist to your usual pasta night.
Believe me, it’s easier to make than you think!
Let’s dive into this tasty adventure!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (or whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 cups diced onion
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 minced garlic cloves (freshly minced for best flavor)
For the pasta:
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta (I like Barilla brand)
For garnish:
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
- 1/4 cup chopped basil
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat on the stovetop.
Add diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 2: Begin Heating Pasta Water
Simultaneously, begin heating 4-5 quarts of salted water in a large pot on the stovetop for cooking the pasta.
Bring the water to a boil while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Cook Tomato Mixture
Add the tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and basil to the sauté pan containing the softened onions and garlic.
Stir to combine everything and cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
Transfer the cooked tomato mixture to a blender along with the cottage cheese.
Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is velvety smooth and creamy with no lumps.
Set aside.
Step 5: Cook Pasta and Heat Sauce
Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, clean out the sauté pan and return it to the stove over low-medium heat.
Add the blended sauce back into the sauté pan and stir in the parmesan cheese.
Allow the cheese to melt into the sauce, stirring occasionally.
Then, add the vodka and simmer for about 2 minutes to let some of the alcohol burn off.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, drain it well.
Add the pasta to the pan with the simmering sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, high-protein vodka rigatoni!
