Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta with Sausage and Zucchini Medley

1.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2.In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

3.Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften.

4.Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they begin to blister and release their juices.

5.Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sausage and vegetables.

6.In a bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

7.Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta and toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess.

8.Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.