If you’re craving a spicy, creamy pasta sauce that brings the heat and the protein, this Spicy Cottage Cheese Arrabbiata is it. It’s rich, tangy, and just the right amount of fiery—thanks to the chili flakes—and gets a high-protein twist from blended cottage cheese. It’s the perfect quick sauce to make any night feel special.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this when I was short on cream and Parmesan but had cottage cheese in the fridge. I blended it into my usual spicy tomato sauce and—wow. The result was velvety, rich, and packed with flavor. The heat from the chiles, plus the creaminess from the cheese, totally hits the spot.
Here’s why it’s on repeat in my kitchen:
- 🔥 Spicy, tangy, and ultra creamy
- ⏱️ Ready in 20 minutes
- 💪 High in protein thanks to cottage cheese
- 🧄 All from pantry + fridge staples
- 🍝 Works on pasta, chicken, veggies, or pizza
⏱️ Time & Servings
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
📊 Macros (per serving, sauce only)
- Calories: 128
- Protein: 11g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Cottage cheese blends ultra smooth and adds creaminess without needing heavy cream or butter.
- Acid in tomatoes + dairy = balance — the creaminess cuts the sharpness of the tomato and spice.
- Slow simmering garlic and chili flakes infuses flavor fast, even in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- Optional: 1 tsp Italian seasoning or fresh basil
How to Make Spicy Cottage Cheese Arrabbiata
1. Sauté Garlic and Chili Flakes
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Crushed Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in crushed tomatoes, and season with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Blend with Cottage Cheese
Carefully transfer the hot tomato mixture to a blender. Add cottage cheese and blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Reheat Gently (Optional)
Pour the blended sauce back into the pan to warm through if needed—don’t boil.
5. Serve with Pasta or Protein
Toss with cooked pasta, spoon over grilled chicken, or use as a base for spicy pizza.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This sauce is versatile and delicious with:
- 🍝 Pasta (rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti)
- 🍗 Grilled chicken or shrimp
- 🥬 Sautéed kale or spinach
- 🍞 Toasted sourdough or garlic bread
- 🧆 Roasted chickpeas or meatballs
🧾 Meal Plan Ideas
- Monday: Toss with chickpea pasta for a high-protein dinner
- Tuesday: Pour over baked chicken thighs with a side of sautéed spinach
- Wednesday: Use as pizza sauce for spicy flatbread
- Thursday: Mix into cooked lentils and roasted veggies for a plant-based bowl
- Friday: Layer into a spicy lasagna or veggie bake
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating the sauce after blending: Cottage cheese can curdle if boiled
- Using whole canned tomatoes without blending: Crushed or blended tomatoes make a smoother sauce
- Not enough salt: Cottage cheese is mild—season the tomatoes well
- Too much chili too soon: You can always add more spice later—start with less
❓ FAQ
Is it super spicy?
Medium spicy. You can reduce the red pepper flakes or skip them if needed.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Cottage cheese is key here, but you could try blended silken tofu or a dairy-free ricotta.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, but cook them down longer until they’re soft and jammy before blending.
How long does it last?
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I freeze it?
Yes—freeze in portions and thaw in the fridge overnight. Re-blend if needed.
✨ Enjoy!
This Spicy Cottage Cheese Arrabbiata brings together bold flavors and creamy comfort in one quick, protein-packed sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a cheat meal—but totally isn’t. 🍅🔥💪