This is a skillet meal that doesn't require much of a recipe once you get the hang of it. It's simple, easy to remember, and it feeds hungry people quickly. I turn to it often, and, despite its ease, it's a recipe that people really like. I think the reason is that the dish is so popular in my house is that includes three key items: tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese. In other words, it's a comfort dinner. Feel free to adjust the type of sauce to your preferences. I use a homemade meat sauce, but you can use jarred marinara if that's what you like/have available. I also vary the pasta to what I have on hand. That means you may need to adjust the cooking time--thin pasta takes less time than thicker versions. What about the cheese? You can also use the type you have on hand, as long as you like it with the sauce and pasta. This really is an adaptable meal--as well as good! Enjoy!
Easy to Remember and Make 2+ Pasta Meal -- Serves 4+
2 cups of pasta sauce (I use a meat-tomato-Italian-style sauce)
2 cups of water
2 cups of pasta (I use cavatelli or spirals)
2 cups of cottage cheese (low-fat is fine)
2 cups of shredded cheese (I use an Italian-style blend)
In a large skillet or chef's pan bring the pasta sauce and water to a boil. Add the pasta, stir everything well, and bring the mixture back to a boil. Turn down the heat to a simmer, partially cover the pan, and let the mixture cook, stirring it periodically, until the pasta is almost done (about 10 minutes for my pasta) and the liquid has mostly been absorbed. Stir in the cottage cheese and let the mixture cook a few more minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in half the shredded cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the mixture, recover the skillet for a few minutes to melt the cheese, then serve the meal from the skillet.
