Introduction & Inspiration
When I’m looking for a hearty pasta dish that’s both creamy and packed with protein, this Cottage Cheese Pasta is my go-to. It’s rich, satisfying, and comes together easily with just a handful of ingredients. Blending cottage cheese into the sauce creates a velvety texture without the heaviness of cream.
Nostalgic Appeal
Pasta nights have always been a favorite in my home, filling the kitchen with warmth and delicious smells. This recipe reminds me of those comforting family dinners but adds a modern twist with the healthier, lighter cottage cheese sauce. It brings all the coziness of classic pasta dishes with a fresh, wholesome touch.
Homemade Focus
Making Cottage Cheese Pasta at home means I can use quality ingredients, adjust the seasoning exactly to my taste, and enjoy a cleaner, fresher meal. I love being able to sneak in extra protein and creamy goodness without using heavy cream or butter. Homemade versions like this always taste better and make me feel good about what I’m eating.
Flavor Goal
The goal with this pasta was to create a rich, creamy, satisfying sauce without making the dish feel overly heavy. The chicken had to be juicy and flavorful, the sauce smooth and velvety, and the rigatoni perfectly coated in every bite. Each mouthful needed to balance the savory marinara, the lightness of cottage cheese, and the heartiness of the pasta.
Ingredient Insights
Rigatoni is perfect for this dish because its ridges catch all the creamy sauce beautifully. Olive oil gives the base a rich, smooth flavor and helps sauté the onions perfectly. Yellow onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce without overpowering the dish. Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic intensity, enhancing every other flavor. Ground chicken is a lighter, leaner protein that soaks up the seasoning beautifully. Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes add warmth, herbs, and just a tiny kick of spice. Marinara sauce provides a rich, tomatoey backbone that blends smoothly with the cottage cheese. Cottage cheese adds creaminess and extra protein while keeping the sauce light and fresh. Parmesan cheese and fresh basil brighten up the final dish and add a burst of classic Italian flavor.
Essential Equipment
A large pot for boiling the rigatoni pasta ensures it cooks evenly without sticking. A large, deep skillet is perfect for sautéing the aromatics, cooking the chicken, and combining everything into a creamy sauce. A blender is essential for blending the marinara and cottage cheese into a smooth, luscious sauce. A spatula makes breaking apart the chicken and mixing the pasta a breeze.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
3 cups uncooked rigatoni pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb chicken mince
2 tsp Italian seasoning
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
1/2 cup cottage cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken mince to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula to break apart the mince and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, blend the marinara sauce and cottage cheese together in a blender until smooth and creamy. This quick step transforms the cottage cheese into a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the blended sauce into the skillet. Add the cooked rigatoni and stir well until all the pasta and chicken are coated evenly in the creamy sauce. Let it cook together for 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh basil leaves before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, flavorful pasta goodness.
Troubleshooting
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth to loosen it slightly. If the sauce separates or looks grainy, blending the cottage cheese and marinara longer will ensure a smoother consistency. If the pasta overcooks, remember next time to drain it a minute early, since it continues cooking slightly in the sauce.
Tips and Variations
Swap rigatoni for penne, ziti, or even fusilli depending on what you have on hand. Use ground turkey or even lean ground beef for a different protein option. Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra veggies and nutrition. Top with shredded mozzarella and broil for a couple of minutes for a baked pasta twist.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. Pair it with a glass of light red wine like Pinot Noir or a sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing touch. For a complete Italian feast, add a side of garlic bread to scoop up any leftover sauce.
Nutritional Information
This dish is high in protein from the chicken mince and cottage cheese, making it more balanced and filling. Using cottage cheese instead of heavy cream reduces the fat content while still offering a rich, creamy mouthfeel. Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese add a touch of freshness and richness without overpowering the dish.
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Cottage Cheese Pasta
Description
Learn how to make Cottage Cheese Pasta with rigatoni, chicken, and a creamy marinara-cottage cheese sauce. A delicious, high-protein pasta perfect for easy weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
3 cups uncooked rigatoni pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb chicken mince
2 tsp Italian seasoning
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
1/2 cup cottage cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken mince to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula to break apart the mince and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, blend the marinara sauce and cottage cheese together in a blender until smooth and creamy. This quick step transforms the cottage cheese into a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the blended sauce into the skillet. Add the cooked rigatoni and stir well until all the pasta and chicken are coated evenly in the creamy sauce. Let it cook together for 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh basil leaves before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, flavorful pasta goodness
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Today, I shared my easy and satisfying Cottage Cheese Pasta recipe, perfect for cozy nights or busy weeknights. We cooked hearty rigatoni, created a smooth creamy sauce by blending marinara and cottage cheese, and brought it all together with savory chicken and fresh herbs. Can you make it ahead? Yes — it reheats wonderfully with a splash of broth or water. Can you freeze it? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. This is the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need heavy cream to have a deliciously creamy pasta, and once you try it, I’m sure you’ll be hooked too!