High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta

Introduction

Looking for a creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s secretly good for you? This high-protein cottage cheese pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero. It’s creamy without being heavy, protein-packed without a ton of effort, and best of all—it comes together in just 30 minutes. I originally threw this together on a busy Wednesday night when I had limited ingredients and even less time, and now it’s a staple in our house. If you’ve been skeptical about using cottage cheese in pasta, trust me—this is your sign to try it.

The best part? It hits that nostalgic comfort food spot while still being macro-friendly. Each bowl is just 368 calories but delivers a whopping 23 grams of protein. This dish is perfect for anyone who wants to eat a little healthier without giving up creamy pasta bliss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick & Easy: From stovetop to table in under 30 minutes
• High-Protein: Thanks to lean chicken mince and cottage cheese
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the familiar flavors
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Meal Prep Approved: Makes six generous servings that reheat beautifully

Taste & Texture

This pasta brings rich, savory goodness with every bite. The sauce is ultra-creamy, thanks to a clever blend of cottage cheese and marinara, but still feels light. You get the hearty chew of rigatoni, juicy bites of seasoned chicken, and that slight kick from red pepper flakes if you want it. Top it all off with grated parmesan and fresh basil, and it’s a flavor party in your mouth.

Dietary Attributes

• High-protein
• Low in saturated fat
• Can be made gluten-free with GF pasta
• Easily adjustable for low-carb lifestyles

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

For six bowls, you’ll need:

• 3 cups uncooked rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound chicken mince (ground chicken)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• ½ cup cottage cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

Notes on Quality

Use a good-quality marinara—one with minimal added sugar and lots of flavor. Rao’s or a homemade batch works wonderfully here. Full-fat cottage cheese gives the creamiest result, but low-fat is still delicious. For the pasta, rigatoni is perfect because it holds the sauce well, but penne or fusilli also work great.

Possible Substitutions

• Pasta: Swap rigatoni for any short-cut pasta like penne or shells
• Protein: Use ground turkey or tofu crumble for a different protein source
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative and skip the parmesan or sub with nutritional yeast
• Spice Level: Omit red pepper flakes if serving to spice-sensitive folks

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Boil rigatoni in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chopped onion and cook 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Cook the Chicken
   Add chicken mince to the skillet along with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Break apart with a spatula and cook until no longer pink—about 6-8 minutes.
4. Blend the Sauce
   In a blender, combine marinara sauce and cottage cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Everything
   Pour the blended sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Add cooked rigatoni. Stir to coat everything well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to bring the flavors together.
6. Garnish and Serve
   Top each bowl with parmesan and fresh basil before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Blend the cottage cheese well for the creamiest texture. You shouldn’t see any curds.
• Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente holds up better when mixed with the sauce.
• Warm the sauce before combining for a smoother finish.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the blending step: Cottage cheese won’t melt the same way other cheeses do. Blending is key.
• Using dry chicken mince: Choose a slightly fattier blend or add a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-chopped onions and pre-minced garlic
• Prep your sauce while the pasta cooks
• Make the chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for quick assembly later

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

Serve this pasta alongside:

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or roasted zucchini

Presentation Ideas

Top with a swirl of extra marinara, a few fresh basil leaves, and a generous dusting of parmesan for that “restaurant-style” look. Serve in shallow pasta bowls for the coziest presentation.

Beverage Pairings

• White wine: A dry pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc pairs well
• Red wine: Light reds like chianti or pinot noir complement the tomato base
• Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or a cold kombucha works beautifully

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dish also freezes well—just skip the garnish until you’re ready to serve.

Reheating Methods

• Microwave: 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through
• Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Turkey, beef, or even a plant-based mince all work well.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely—just skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils instead.

Can I double the recipe?
You sure can. It scales beautifully and is great for meal prepping.

Troubleshooting

Why is my sauce grainy?
That usually means the cottage cheese wasn’t blended long enough. Give it an extra 30 seconds in the blender next time.

My pasta turned mushy—what happened?
Most likely, it was overcooked before being added to the sauce. Aim for just-barely-al-dente.

Too salty?
Keep an eye on your marinara and cottage cheese brands. Some store-bought sauces are heavy on the salt.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite GF pasta
• Dairy-Free: Try plant-based cottage cheese and dairy-free parmesan
• Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of rigatoni

Flavor Twists

• Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for Mediterranean flair
• Stir in spinach or kale at the end for extra greens
• Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun spices for a fun kick

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• In fall, add roasted butternut squash or pumpkin puree to the sauce for a cozy twist
• For spring, toss in fresh peas or asparagus tips right before serving
• Serve this alongside a heartier dish like Creamy Chicken Marsala for a dinner party spread

Additional Resources

Related Recipes

If you love this dish, don’t miss these other cozy, comforting recipes:

• Creamy Chicken Marsala – Rich, elegant, and perfect for date nights
• Sheet Pan Gnocchi – Another easy weeknight favorite that’s full of flavor
• Creamy Chicken Marsala – Yes, it’s so good it deserves a second mention

Recommended Tools

• A high-powered blender for a smooth sauce
• Deep skillet or sauté pan to hold all the pasta
• Microplane for perfectly grated parmesan

Tutorials

Check out our Pinterest for more step-by-step inspiration and daily recipes:
https://www.pinterest.com/recipescookingwithcallie/

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This cottage cheese pasta is pure comfort with a healthy twist. It’s easy, satisfying, and just might become your new go-to dinner. Give it a try, and if you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to leave a comment or tag me in your creations—I always love seeing what you make!

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