Name: Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Cottage Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta of choice; 2 red bell peppers (roasted and peeled); 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd); 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; salt and pepper (to taste); fresh basil (for garnish (optional)); grated Parmesan cheese (for serving (optional))

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If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful pasta dish that’s both comforting and packed with wholesome ingredients, then Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Cottage Cheese is your new go-to recipe. This dish combines the sweet, smoky flavor of roasted red bell peppers with the creamy tanginess of cottage cheese, creating a luscious sauce that coats your favorite pasta perfectly. It’s simple to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and offers a delightful twist on traditional creamy pasta dishes. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a fresh, colorful plate, this recipe is a winner.

Top Reasons to Make Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Cottage Cheese

Deliciously Creamy: Cottage cheese gives the sauce a silky texture without the heaviness of cream, making it lighter but still indulgent.
Bright and Flavorful: Roasted red peppers add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that makes every bite memorable.
Easy and Quick: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
Nutritious Boost: Cottage cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, enhancing the nutritional value of the meal.
Versatile: Works well with any pasta shape and can be customized with herbs or extra veggies.
Perfect for Meatless Meals: A satisfying vegetarian option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or creaminess.

Ingredient Notes

8 ounces pasta of choice: Use any pasta you love — penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or farfalle all work beautifully. The sauce clings nicely to ridged or tubular shapes.
2 red bell peppers, roasted and peeled: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and softens the peppers, making them easy to blend into a creamy sauce.
1 cup cottage cheese: Opt for small curd cottage cheese for a smoother texture. It adds creaminess and protein without overpowering the flavors.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and helps sauté the garlic for a fragrant base.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic provides a warm, aromatic undertone essential to the sauce’s depth.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, this seasoning adds a classic Mediterranean flair.
Salt and pepper to taste: Balance the sweetness and acidity with just the right amount of seasoning.
Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and an herbal brightness that complements the red peppers.
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional): Sprinkle on top for an extra layer of savory richness, or leave it off for a lighter dish.

Cook’s Kit

Large pot: For boiling your pasta to al dente perfection.
Baking sheet or grill pan: To roast your red bell peppers until beautifully charred.
Blender or food processor: Essential for pureeing the roasted peppers and cottage cheese into a smooth sauce.
Large skillet: To sauté garlic and combine the sauce with pasta.
Colander: For draining pasta efficiently.
Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir and mix without scratching your cookware.

How to Prepare Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Cottage Cheese

Step 1: Roast the Red Peppers

Start by roasting your red bell peppers. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the whole peppers on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins are charred and blistered. Alternatively, you can roast them on a grill or directly over a gas flame for a smoky touch. Once roasted, transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or place them in a sealed bag to steam for 10 minutes. This makes peeling easier. Peel off the skins, remove seeds, and roughly chop.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the peppers roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, which will help loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, cottage cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pour the pepper-cottage cheese sauce into the skillet and warm it gently, stirring occasionally. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat every strand or piece with sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Divide the creamy pasta among plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, vibrant flavors!

For those who love a bit of variation, this recipe pairs beautifully with protein additions like chicken. Try the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Pasta or the indulgent Creamy Tomato Vodka Chicken Pasta for a heartier meal.

Dietary Swaps & Alternatives

Vegan option: Substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based ricotta or blended silken tofu for creaminess.
Gluten-free pasta: Use gluten-free pasta varieties made from rice, corn, or legumes.
Low-fat: Choose low-fat cottage cheese and reduce olive oil slightly.
Extra veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutrition and texture.
Herb variations: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley to customize the flavor.

Avoid These Traps

Don’t skip peeling the roasted peppers — the skins can be tough and bitter, affecting the smoothness of your sauce.
Avoid overcooking your pasta; al dente ensures the best texture and prevents sogginess once mixed with the sauce.
Don’t add too much salt at the start — cottage cheese and Parmesan can contribute saltiness, so season gradually.
Be careful not to overheat the sauce in the skillet; cooking on medium-low prevents curdling and preserves creaminess.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

This dish is best enjoyed fresh for the creamiest texture and brightest flavor. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I prepare the roasted peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! Roasted peppers can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. Just keep them in an airtight container, and peel them when ready to use for the freshest flavor.

Is cottage cheese a good substitute for cream in pasta sauces?

Yes, cottage cheese provides a creamy texture with less fat and more protein compared to heavy cream. When blended smoothly, it creates a velvety sauce perfect for pasta dishes like this one.

What pasta shape works best for this recipe?

While any pasta works, shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are fantastic because their grooves and tubes hold onto the sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful.

Can I freeze Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Cottage Cheese?

It’s not recommended to freeze this pasta because the texture of the cottage cheese sauce can change after freezing and reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

Because You Liked This

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Pasta – A savory chicken-packed pasta with the same smoky pepper goodness.
Creamy Tomato Vodka Chicken Pasta – Rich and indulgent with a touch of vodka for complex flavor.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta – A quick and easy seafood pasta bursting with garlic and herbs.
Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta – Fresh and zesty, perfect for spring and summer meals.

Let’s Eat

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that’s both simple and bursting with flavor, and this Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Cottage Cheese hits all those notes. The creamy, velvety sauce that’s brightened by roasted red peppers creates a perfect balance that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this pasta offers a fresh take that’s wholesome and indulgent without being heavy. Pair it with a crisp salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of pasta that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

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