Cottage Cheese Pasta

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

This Cottage Cheese Pasta offers a clever solution for those wanting a creamy pasta dish without the heavy calories of traditional cream sauces. By blending cottage cheese with marinara sauce, the recipe creates a protein-rich, silky sauce that coats each piece of rigatoni perfectly. The addition of Italian-seasoned ground chicken makes this a substantial, balanced meal rather than just a pasta dish. What makes this recipe special is how it transforms humble cottage cheese—often considered just a diet food—into the star ingredient of a comforting, family-friendly dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep work, it's ideal for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious yet satisfying.
Home Delicious Recipes
Updated on Sun, 02 Mar 2025 12:51:19 GMT
Cottage Cheese Pasta Pin it
Cottage Cheese Pasta | homedeliciousrecipes.com

A perfect blend of comfort and nutrition comes together in this creamy cottage cheese pasta that delivers impressive protein without sacrificing flavor. This clever recipe transforms humble cottage cheese into a luxurious sauce that coats every bite with rich satisfaction. With 40 grams of protein per serving, it's a powerhouse meal that feels like an indulgence.

After experimenting with healthier pasta sauces, I discovered that blending cottage cheese with marinara creates a remarkably rich texture that rivals traditional cream-based sauces. The moment that velvety sauce meets al dente pasta, you'll understand why this recipe is so special.

Essential Components

  • Pasta Selection: Rigatoni's ridges and hollow center trap sauce perfectly
  • Cottage Cheese Quality: Full-fat provides the creamiest result
  • Marinara Balance: Choose a well-seasoned sauce as your flavor foundation
  • Protein Preparation: Breaking chicken mince into small pieces ensures even distribution
  • Aromatics Base: Onions and garlic create essential depth of flavor
Easy Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe Pin it
Easy Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Creating Your Masterpiece

Perfect The Foundation:
Sauté onions until translucent and aromatic before adding garlic, creating a flavorful base.
Master The Protein:
Cook chicken mince thoroughly with Italian herbs, breaking it into small, even pieces.
Build The Signature Sauce:
Blend cottage cheese and marinara until perfectly smooth for a velvety texture.
Create The Harmony:
Combine sauce with pasta and meat, stirring gently to coat each piece evenly.
Complete With Brightness:
Finish with fresh basil and Parmesan to add aromatic lift and savory depth.

This dish has become my reliable solution for satisfying comfort food cravings while supporting fitness goals. The balance of protein, carbohydrates, and flavor creates a meal that feels indulgent rather than restrictive.

Perfect Pairings

Enhance your meal with thoughtful sides. Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for peppery contrast. Add roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts for additional vegetables and texture. For gatherings, offer garlic bread on the side for those seeking extra indulgence.

Creative Variations

Adapt this versatile recipe to create countless variations. Try a mushroom version by adding sautéed cremini mushrooms for umami depth. Create a Mediterranean twist with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and spinach. Make it spicier with additional red pepper flakes and chopped fresh chili. For extra richness, incorporate a handful of shredded mozzarella into the hot pasta.

Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe Pin it
Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Storage Success

This recipe keeps beautifully for several days. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. For meal prep, portion into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Through countless pasta experiments, I've found that this recipe offers the perfect balance of nutrition, flavor, and simplicity. It proves that healthy eating doesn't require complicated ingredients or techniques - just thoughtful preparation of wholesome components.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any medium to large pasta shape that can hold sauce works well, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
→ What can I substitute for ground chicken?
Ground turkey, beef, or Italian sausage work well. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled firm tofu or plant-based meat alternatives.
→ Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute the rigatoni with your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
→ How can I make this dish creamier?
Add 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese along with the cottage cheese for an even creamier texture.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

A high-protein pasta dish featuring rigatoni in a creamy sauce made from cottage cheese and marinara, with seasoned ground chicken for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings (6 bowls)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 3 cups uncooked rigatoni pasta
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 1 medium yellow onion chopped
04 4 garlic cloves minced
05 1 lb chicken mince
06 2 tsp Italian seasoning
07 A pinch red pepper flakes optional
08 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
09 ½ cup cottage cheese
10 Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

11 Parmesan cheese grated
12 Fresh basil

Instructions

Step 01

Cook your rigatoni pasta according to instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

While the pasta is being cooked, heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, and chopped onion and saute for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds.

Step 03

Add in the chicken mince, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, some salt, and black pepper. Gently break the mince apart with a spatula, coat with the seasonings, and cook until the chicken is fully cooked. It will take about 6-8 minutes.

Step 04

While you're cooking the chicken, blend marinara sauce and cottage cheese together. It should come out smooth and creamy.

Step 05

Once the chicken has fully cooked, pour the blend into the skillet, add in cooked rigatoni, and stir all the ingredients to combine well. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until all the ingredients warm up.

Step 06

Garnish with parmesan cheese and basil before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large skillet
  • Blender or food processor
  • Colander

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cottage cheese, Parmesan)
  • Contains gluten (pasta)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 368
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 23 g