Cottage Cheese Sausage Pasta Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Gemelli Pasta with Tomato Basil Chicken Sausage and Cream Sauce

This creamy, flavorful pasta dish is loaded with colorful veggies and a rich, savory sauce. It's quick, satisfying, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1/2 cup gemelli pasta
• 2 links tomato basil chicken sausage, sliced diagonally
• 2 mini red bell peppers, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 mini yellow bell peppers, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 mushrooms, quartered
• 1 (1 1/2 inch) piece zucchini, cut into matchsticks

For the Cream Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 3 ounces high-protein cottage cheese, such as Good Culture
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 ounce shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pinch Italian seasoning

Directions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gemelli pasta and cook until tender yet firm to the bite, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: In a heavy skillet, combine the sausage, red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. Cook over medium heat until the sausage is browned and vegetables are tender, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the cream cheese and stir until smooth. Then, add the cottage cheese and heavy cream to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet with cream cheese, stirring until the sauce is heated through.

Step 4: Add the shredded Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until combined. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked pasta and sausage-vegetable mixture. Stir everything together and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (2 servings total):

• Calories: 538
• Total Fat: 36g (46% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 19g (93% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 152mg (51% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1187mg (52% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 19g (7% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (9% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 34g (69% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 76mg (84% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 287mg (22% Daily Value)
• Iron: 3mg (14% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 639mg (14% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Origins of Cottage Cheese Sausage Pasta

Cottage Cheese Sausage Pasta is a modern twist on classic pasta dishes that combine creamy sauces with hearty proteins. The dish draws inspiration from both Italian and American culinary traditions, blending the rich, comforting textures of cottage cheese with the savory, spiced flavors of chicken sausage. While pasta with cream-based sauces has been popular in Italy for centuries, the addition of cottage cheese as a primary creamy ingredient reflects a contemporary American approach to lighter yet protein-packed meals.

Regional Variations

In the United States, this pasta dish is particularly popular in regions that favor high-protein, health-conscious recipes. Variations often appear in California and the Midwest, where local chefs may substitute zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms according to seasonal availability. In contrast, European versions might lean more heavily on traditional cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone instead of cottage cheese, giving the sauce a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Each region adapts the dish to balance richness with fresh vegetables.

Distinguishing Features from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional Alfredo or Carbonara, Cottage Cheese Sausage Pasta uses cottage cheese as the main creamy component, making it slightly lighter yet still rich. The inclusion of tomato basil chicken sausage also differentiates it from vegetarian pasta dishes or those using conventional pork sausage. The combination of sauted bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms adds both texture and color, setting it apart from cream-based pasta dishes that rely solely on cheese and pasta for substance.

Typical Serving Occasions

This dish is commonly served as a hearty weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch. Its balance of protein, vegetables, and pasta makes it suitable for both family meals and small gatherings. Some restaurants specializing in contemporary American cuisine include Cottage Cheese Sausage Pasta on seasonal menus, often paired with a crisp white wine or a light salad. It is also a favorite in home cooking because of its relatively quick preparation time and versatility.

Interesting Facts

• Cottage cheese is a high-protein alternative to traditional cream or ricotta, making this pasta both satisfying and nutritious.
• The dish allows for a wide range of vegetable variations, giving home cooks flexibility to use whatever is fresh or in season.
• Gemelli pasta, used in this recipe, is twisted in shape to hold the creamy sauce more effectively than standard spaghetti or penne.
• This pasta dish has gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts due to its high protein content while maintaining a relatively moderate calorie count.
• The combination of sweet bell peppers and savory sausage creates a flavor balance that appeals to both adults and children, making it a versatile family-friendly meal.

FAQ about Cottage Cheese Sausage Pasta Recipe

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