This high-protein Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is a delicious and nutritious meal that combines a rich, velvety cottage cheese marinara sauce with hearty pasta and ground turkey. It’s quick to make, packed with protein, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-Packed: With ground turkey and cottage cheese, this dish delivers a nutritious, protein-rich meal.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Creamy & Flavorful: Blending cottage cheese with marinara creates a smooth, cheesy sauce.
- Versatile: Works with different pasta types and protein swaps.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 ounces dry pasta (rigatoni, spaghetti, or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey (or substitute with ground chicken or tofu)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup whole milk cottage cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese, for topping
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Cook the turkey: Add ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine marinara sauce and cottage cheese. Blend until smooth.
- Combine everything: Pour the blended sauce over the cooked turkey. Stir in the drained pasta and mix well.
- Serve: Top with fresh basil and parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap ground turkey for crumbled tofu or lentils.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheesy Boost: Stir in shredded mozzarella or feta for extra creaminess.
- Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cottage cheese gives the creamiest texture.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Rigatoni, fusilli, or spaghetti hold the sauce well, but any pasta will work.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Try substituting cottage cheese with blended silken tofu or a dairy-free ricotta alternative.
Does the sauce taste like cottage cheese?
No, blending the cottage cheese with marinara gives it a smooth, cheesy texture similar to ricotta.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes, ground chicken, beef, or a plant-based protein like tempeh all work well.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What if I want a thinner sauce?
Save ½ cup of pasta water and mix it in to adjust the consistency.
Can I freeze this pasta?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce separately and mix with fresh pasta when ready to eat.
How can I add more veggies?
Stir in spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
What can I serve this pasta with?
Pair it with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is a quick, protein-packed, and satisfying meal that blends the richness of marinara and cottage cheese into a smooth and creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and customizable to your preferences. Try it today for a delicious twist on classic pasta night!
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Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is a high-protein, flavorful meal that blends cottage cheese and marinara into a velvety sauce. Paired with hearty pasta and ground turkey, this dish is quick to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and protein-rich twist on classic pasta that comes together in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dry pasta (rigatoni, spaghetti, or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey (or substitute with ground chicken or tofu)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup whole milk cottage cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Cook the turkey: Add ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine marinara sauce and cottage cheese. Blend until smooth.
- Combine everything: Pour the blended sauce over the cooked turkey. Stir in the drained pasta and mix well.
- Serve: Top with fresh basil and parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, swap ground turkey for crumbled tofu or lentils.
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- For added creaminess, stir in shredded mozzarella or feta.
- For a low-carb version, use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
