No time for dinner? This quick and easy, this Cheesy Pesto One-Pan Pasta is ready in only 15 minutes and is a cinch to clean up. Made with a handful of fresh ingredients and dried pasta, this dinner comes together in mere minutes using only a blender and one pot. Just blend up the sauce, add to the hot pasta, toss, and serve.

The bite-sized pasta marries with the aromatic, bright, and herby basil, and the salty, rich, creamy cottage cheese to form a savory, rich dinner quick enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. Light and satisfying, this pasta is easily customizable. Try adding vegetables and your favorite protein for a tasty twist.

• Water (2 ½ cups): To cook the pasta and thin the pesto sauce.
• Dry Bite-Sized Pasta (8 ounces): Found in most pantries, dried pasta is economical and great for saucy dishes. Any bite-sized pasta will work for this recipe.
• Daisy Cottage Cheese (1/2 cup): A protein powerhouse, the cottage cheese adds a creamy and slightly salty taste to this easy sauce. It’s the main source of protein in the recipe.
• Minced Garlic (1 heaping teaspoon): One of the flavors of pesto, it adds a savory bite to the sauce.
• Fresh Basil Leaves (1 cup, packed): Fresh, herby, sweet, pungent, and slightly spicy, the basil combined with the cottage cheese is the base of the pesto sauce.
• Fresh Cracked Black Pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Fruity and earthy, this classic spice adds a pinch of warm heat to the sauce.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (1/3 cup): Adds a richness to the sauce with hints of spicy, pungent, peppery flavor.

• Gluten-free pasta may be used in place of wheat pasta.
• Crushed red pepper flakes may be added for a punch of heat.
• A sprinkle of parmesan cheese may be added for a richer flavor and a classic finishing touch.
• Try adding your favorite toppers for a heartier meal, such as cooked protein such as chicken or shrimp, and/or add fresh veggies such as asparagus or tomatoes.
• Great for leftovers! To reheat, add a few drops of water to help revive the sauce. Cover and microwave in short intervals, stirring between intervals, until warm (about 1-2 minutes).

1. Add water to a medium saucepot, cover, and bring to a boil. Add pasta, stir, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Cook 12-15 minutes. Keep covered and stir occasionally.
2. Place cottage cheese and garlic in food processor. Process 10 seconds. Add basil leaves and pepper. Process 1 minute. Add olive oil. Process a few seconds more until completely smooth.
3. Add sauce to undrained, cooked pasta. Stir to coat evenly and serve.