Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting yet wholesome meal that comes together quickly and bursts with flavor, this Cottage Cheese Pasta is exactly what you need. It combines tender rigatoni pasta with a creamy, tangy sauce made from cottage cheese and marinara, enhanced by savory chicken mince and aromatic herbs. This dish perfectly balances protein-packed ingredients and satisfying textures, making it a go-to favorite for busy weeknights or anytime you want a homemade meal that feels special but is incredibly easy to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this Cottage Cheese Pasta a delicious success. Each component plays a vital role — from the hearty rigatoni providing the perfect base and bite, to the creamy cottage cheese that adds a luscious texture and mild tanginess to the sauce.

• 3 cups uncooked rigatoni pasta: Choose rigatoni for its ridges and hollow center that hold onto sauce beautifully.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onions with a lovely fruity aroma.
• 1 medium yellow onion (chopped): Brings a subtle sweetness when sautéed that layers flavor into the dish.
• 4 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses a robust and irresistible kick to the sauce.
• 1 lb chicken mince: Provides lean protein and soaks up the seasonings wonderfully.
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that instantly transports you to a cozy Italian kitchen.
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just the right hint of heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
• 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce: The tomato base that ties the whole dish together with its vibrant, tangy taste.
• ½ cup cottage cheese: The secret ingredient that creates a creamy, smooth sauce with a subtle tang.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Offers a salty, nutty finish that makes every bite irresistible.
• Fresh basil: Adds bright, herbal notes and a pop of color as a beautiful garnish.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures each piece has a slight firmness to hold up against the creamy sauce without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for the final step.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until translucent and tender. The soft onions create a sweet foundation that blends perfectly with the rest of the ingredients. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant — this quick step helps release the garlicky aroma without burning it.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Mince

Add the chicken mince to the skillet along with the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you like a little spice), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Use a spatula to gently break apart the mince and evenly coat it with the seasonings. Cook the chicken fully over 6 to 8 minutes until no pink remains and the meat is nicely browned, adding depth to the dish.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce

While the chicken cooks, combine the marinara sauce and cottage cheese in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy — this creates a luscious sauce that coats every piece of rigatoni with a dreamy texture and subtle tang from the cottage cheese. This step is what truly lifts this recipe to a comforting, fresh new level.

Step 5: Combine and Warm Through

Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the cottage cheese and marinara blend into the skillet with the meat. Add the cooked rigatoni and stir well so every piece gets coated with that velvety sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes until all the ingredients are warmed through, melding the flavors beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Cottage Cheese Pasta with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh basil leaves. The Parmesan adds a salty richness while the basil breathes fresh herbal notes and color, making this dish as pretty as it is delicious.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Pasta

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like freshly grated Parmesan and torn basil leaves elevate the dish instantly. You might also consider a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. These small touches add layers of flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This Cottage Cheese Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are also fantastic for mopping up the extra sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus round it out nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Cottage Cheese Pasta in individual oven-safe dishes topped with extra cheese and bake for a few minutes until bubbly and golden. You can also toss in sun-dried tomatoes or olives to add bursts of tangy flavor. It’s a versatile recipe that welcomes your creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cottage Cheese Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When cooling, make sure the dish cools to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes well when placed in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for convenient future meals. When you want a quick dinner, simply thaw overnight in the fridge to retain its creamy consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if needed to revive the sauce. You can also microwave leftovers covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture locked in.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Cottage Cheese Pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni works wonderfully here, penne, fusilli, or even rotini would be great alternatives that hold onto the creamy sauce well.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

The pasta itself contains carbohydrates, but you can swap rigatoni for a low-carb option like zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to make it fit your dietary needs while keeping the flavors intact.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken mince and add hearty veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted eggplant. The cottage cheese marinara sauce provides plenty of flavor and creaminess to keep it satisfying.

What can I use instead of cottage cheese if I don’t have any?

You can substitute ricotta cheese or even cream cheese for similar creaminess and tang. Each will give a slightly different texture but still make a delicious sauce.

Is it necessary to blend the marinara and cottage cheese?

Blending creates a smooth, creamy sauce that evenly coats the pasta, resulting in the luscious texture this Cottage Cheese Pasta is known for. You can try stirring it in without blending, but the sauce will be chunkier and less velvety.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Cottage Cheese Pasta, you’ll wonder why it’s not a staple in your kitchen already. It’s comfort food elevated—simple, protein-packed, and incredibly flavorful with a creamy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a go and enjoy the deliciousness of a homemade meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying!

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