![cottage cheese penne alla vodka](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cottage-cheese-penna-alla-vodka.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
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
ingredients
directions
![Ingredients for cottage cheese penne alla vodka](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cottage-cheese-penna-alla-vodka-ingredients.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
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.
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.
![](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cottage-cheese-penna-alla-vodka-1.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
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.](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cottage-cheese-penna-alla-vodka-2.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Remove from heat and transfer mixture to a food processor or blender. Add the cottage cheese and puree until smooth.
![](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cottage-cheese-penna-alla-vodka-3.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Transfer the sauce back to the pan and add the cooked rigatoni. Toss to coat.
![Cottage cheese penne alla vodka in a skillet](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cottage-cheese-penna-alla-vodka-4.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Finish with parmesan cheese and garnish with basil.
![A bowl of cottage cheese penne alla vodka.](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cottage-cheese-penna-alla-vodka-5.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)