Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish, blending hearty ground turkey with a velvety cottage cheese marinara sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s rich, filling, and loaded with protein.
This quick and flavorful recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a reliable go-to for busy nights. Topped with fresh basil and parmesan, every bite is satisfying and crave-worthy.
What You’ll Need for This Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Delight
- Dry pasta (rigatoni or your favorite) – Acts as the hearty base, soaking up every bit of the creamy, tangy sauce.
- Ground turkey – A lean protein that adds savory depth and pairs beautifully with the lightness of the cheese.
- Marinara sauce – Delivers a rich, tomato-forward flavor that balances the creaminess of the cottage cheese.
- Whole milk cottage cheese – The star of the sauce, blended smooth to create a creamy, protein-packed texture.
- Yellow onion – Offers a gentle sweetness and aromatic base to the sauce.
- Garlic – Infuses the dish with warm, savory flavor and complements the tomato and cheese.
- Olive oil – Used to sauté the aromatics and add a silky richness.
- Fresh basil – Brings brightness and a burst of herbal freshness at the finish.
- Fresh parmesan – Adds a salty, umami-rich finish that elevates every bite.
From Skillet to Table: Making Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent, followed by garlic for extra aroma.
Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. While it cooks, blend cottage cheese with marinara sauce until smooth and creamy.
Pour this luscious sauce over the cooked turkey, stir in the pasta, and mix until everything is well-coated and heated through.
Spoon into bowls and top with parmesan and fresh basil. Dinner is served!
Tips & Tasty Twists to Try
To enhance this dish even more, consider swapping regular pasta for a high-protein alternative like chickpea or lentil-based varieties—perfect for an extra nutrition boost. If cottage cheese isn’t your favorite, ricotta offers a creamy alternative while maintaining that lush texture.
Feel free to get creative with veggies—mushrooms, bell peppers, or a handful of spinach folded in with the onions work beautifully. And don’t be afraid to switch up your herbs: fresh oregano, thyme, or parsley bring new layers of flavor.
For extra creaminess, reserve a splash of pasta water and stir it into the sauce before combining everything. It helps emulsify the sauce and cling to the pasta better.
Keep It Fresh: Storing and Reheating Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool fully, then transfer it to an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to four days.
For reheating, add a small splash of water or milk to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency and warm in a saucepan or microwave.
This dish also freezes nicely—just store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Whether you’re fueling up after a long day or need something quick and cozy, this Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta delivers comfort and nutrition in every bite.
Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk cottage cheese
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce such as Rao’s
- Fresh basil for garnish
- 3 large garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- Fresh parmesan for garnish
- 8 oz dry pasta of choice e.g., rigatoni
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta in accordance with the package directions; once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium flame. Sauté the chopped onion for 5-6 minutes until it becomes aromatic and translucent, seasoning with salt and pepper. Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Introduce the ground turkey into the skillet and cook, using a spatula or wooden spoon to crumble it evenly. Continue until the meat is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine marinara sauce and cottage cheese in a blender and process until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the blended sauce over the turkey in the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and stir until everything is thoroughly mixed and heated through.
- Serve portions of the pasta onto individual plates or bowls. Finish with a sprinkling of fresh parmesan and a few torn basil leaves for garnish.
Notes
Cottage Cheese: Ricotta serves as an effective alternative, although cottage cheese offers a higher protein content and smooth consistency when blended.
Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional profile by incorporating sautéed vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the aromatics.
Herbs: Fresh basil complements this dish well, though herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme may be used to suit your preference.
