Creamy Pesto Pasta

Recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. orecchiette pasta, or pasta of your choice
• 1 c. basil pesto
• 1 c. cottage cheese, recommend 2% or 4%
• 1/2 c. reserved pasta water
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• For garnish: crushed red pepper flakes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 c. of the pasta water. Use a colander to drain the pasta. Return to pot or place in a large serving bowl.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the pesto, cottage cheese, and 1/2 c. of reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Add the creamy pesto sauce to the pasta and stir until pasta is well coated. Can use additional reserved pasta water to thin sauce.
4. Garnish with crushed red pepper flakes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Creamy Pesto Pasta: