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
