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Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe

Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 25 reviews

A delicious and creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta featuring tender chicken mince, rigatoni pasta, and a smooth blend of marinara sauce and cottage cheese. This savory dish is seasoned with Italian herbs and finished with Parmesan and fresh basil for an easy yet flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 3 cups uncooked rigatoni pasta

Sauce and Protein

  • 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
  • ½ cup cottage cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook your rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Cook Chicken Mince: Add the chicken mince to the skillet along with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Break up the mince gently with a spatula, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
  4. Prepare Creamy Sauce: While the chicken cooks, blend the marinara sauce and cottage cheese together until smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Pour the blended sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta and stir everything together to combine well. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat through.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for added flavor and aroma.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken mince with ground turkey or beef if preferred.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
  • To keep the sauce thicker, use less marinara or reduce it by simmering before blending.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cottage cheese pasta, chicken rigatoni, creamy pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, healthy Italian pasta

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/cottage-cheese-pasta-recipe-4/