Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta | SaraTasty

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

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

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. Cook the turkey: Add ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
  4. Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine marinara sauce and cottage cheese. Blend until smooth.
  5. Combine everything: Pour the blended sauce over the cooked turkey. Stir in the drained pasta and mix well.
  6. 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

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta


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  • Author: sara
  • 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
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