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Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe

Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 19 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Pasta recipe features tender rigatoni pasta tossed with a creamy blend of marinara sauce and cottage cheese, combined with savory chicken mince and Italian seasonings. It’s a wholesome, comforting dish perfect for dinner that balances protein and flavor with a hint of spice and fresh basil garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

  • 3 cups uncooked rigatoni pasta
  • 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
  • ½ cup cottage cheese

Protein and Vegetables

  • 1 lb chicken mince
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Garnish

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • A pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Cook Chicken: Add chicken mince to the skillet along with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Break the meat gently with a spatula and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink.
  4. Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a blender or food processor, blend the marinara sauce and cottage cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring the mixture is well combined and velvety.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the creamy sauce blend into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta and stir everything together, coating the pasta evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until warmed through.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top before serving for added flavor and a fresh finish.

Notes

  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken mince with cooked mushrooms or a plant-based alternative.
  • For extra creaminess, you can add a tablespoon of cream or ricotta along with cottage cheese.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your taste.
  • Use whole grain or gluten-free rigatoni if you have dietary restrictions.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

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

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