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Cottage Cheese Rigatoni Alla Vodka is Worth the Hype

cottage cheese penne alla vodka
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Yields
4-6 servings

Cottage cheese has been a go-to ingredient in the online world of food trends, and for good reason! The long-overlooked cheese is velvety smooth, creamy and absolutely packed with protein. This recipe uses cottage cheese in place of the heavy cream for a twist on the classic vodka sauce. This lightens up the recipe and adds loads of protein to the dish. It comes together in under 30 minutes making it a perfect recipe for a weeknight!

Related: 15-Minute Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast is the Easiest Lunch Ever

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ingredients

Salt, to taste
1
lb rigatoni pasta
2
Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3
shallots, minced
3
cloves of garlic, minced
½
tsp crushed red pepper flakes
3
Tbsp vodka
156
mL double concentrated tomato paste
½
cup pasta water
¾
cup full-fat cottage cheese
Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh basil, for serving
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directions

Ingredients for cottage cheese penne alla vodka
Step 1

Set a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta until al dente. Be sure to set aside ½ cup of the salty, starchy pasta water.

Step 2

Meanwhile, to a heavy bottom skillet over medium heat add the oil, shallots, garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until the shallots begin to soften, about 4 minutes.

Step 3

Season with a pinch of salt. Stir in vodka, tomato paste and pasta water. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, continuously stirring.

Tomato sauce in a skillet.
Step 4

Remove from heat and transfer mixture to a food processor or blender. Add the cottage cheese and puree until smooth.

Step 5

Transfer the sauce back to the pan and add the cooked rigatoni. Toss to coat.

Cottage cheese penne alla vodka in a skillet
Step 6

Finish with parmesan cheese and garnish with basil.

A bowl of cottage cheese penne alla vodka.

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