Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach

A luscious, protein-rich pasta dish featuring creamy cottage cheese, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and tender spinach, tossed with al dente pasta for a satisfying and nourishing meal.

I love making this dish when I want something comforting yet packed with flavor and nutrition. It's always a hit with my family and perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
• Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 small yellow onion finely chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced, 120 g (3/4 cup) sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and sliced, 150 g (5 oz) baby spinach leaves, 250 g (1 cup) cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat), 60 ml (1/4 cup) whole milk or reserved pasta water, 40 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional), salt and pepper to taste, pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Garnish: Extra grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water then drain.

Step 2:

While the pasta cooks heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 3 minutes until translucent.

Step 3:

Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4:

Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 5:

Add the spinach and cook stirring until wilted (about 1 2 minutes).

Step 6:

Reduce heat to low. Stir in cottage cheese milk (or reserved pasta water) and Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and heated through. Season with Italian herbs salt pepper and red pepper flakes as desired.

Step 7:

Add the drained pasta to the sauce tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick add a little more reserved pasta water.

Step 8:

Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

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This recipe always brings my family together around the dinner table and sparks great conversations and smiles.

Notes

For extra protein add grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works perfectly as well.

Required Tools

Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, colander, knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (cottage cheese Parmesan) Wheat (pasta). May contain Eggs if using egg-based pasta. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

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This creamy sun-dried tomato spinach pasta is a quick and satisfying meal that can become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal, as they hold the creamy sauce well.

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with other ingredients?

Yes, ricotta or cream cheese can be used for a different creamy texture and flavor.

→ How do I achieve a smoother sauce consistency?

Blending the cottage cheese before adding it to the skillet helps create a silkier sauce.

→ Is it possible to add protein to this pasta?

Grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms can be added to increase protein content and add variety.

→ What is the purpose of reserving pasta water?

Reserved pasta water is used to adjust the sauce's thickness and helps bind the sauce to the pasta.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely, substituting regular pasta with gluten-free options works well without compromising flavor.