Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

4.97 27 Published Sep 27, 2023, Updated Nov 07, 2024 If you love the sound of this creamy cottage cheese pasta you may also want to check out my creamy pumpkin pasta, cottage cheese mac and cheese or my ground turkey pasta for something equally as hearty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Protein-Packed: With ground turkey and cottage cheese, this dish packs in the protein, making it a great post-workout meal or filling dinner. Quick & Easy: With a straightforward list of ingredients and simple steps, this pasta dish comes together in no time. Flavorful: The blend of marinara sauce with cottage cheese brings a creamy texture and rich flavor to the dish. Versatile: Feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta type or add in some veggies for extra nutrients. Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone will love this comforting, yet healthy, pasta dish.

Ingredients Needed

dry pasta of choice – I used rigatoni for its ability to hold sauce well, but you can use any pasta you prefer. Some other good options are spaghetti, farfalle, fusilli and fettuccini noodles. olive oil – used for sautéing the onion and garlic, and adds a rich, fruity undertone. yellow onion – adds sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed. garlic cloves – brings plenty of flavor to the pasta. ground turkey – ground turkey is my go-to for adding a lean, hearty protein to this pasta. It’s light but still keeps the recipe filling without overpowering the other flavors. marinara sauce – I love using Rao’s marinara sauce because it’s packed with flavor and made with quality ingredients. It’s the perfect foundation for this creamy sauce. whole milk cottage cheese – the cottage cheese is what makes this pasta special. It melts into the marinara, adding creaminess and a protein boost. salt and black pepper – for seasoning and bringing out the other flavors in the dish. fresh basil – for serving, adding a burst of color and a fresh herbal note. parmesan cheese – for an extra touch of cheesy goodness when serving.

How to Make

What to Serve with Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

This pasta dish is hearty and filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to make a well-rounded meal. Here are some suggestions:

Salad: A simple green salad can add a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Try this Kale Caesar Salad for something tasty, yet simple. Steamed Vegetables: Keep it healthy and simple with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. Garlic Bread: If you’re not too worried about carbs, a slice of garlic bread would complement the pasta wonderfully, soaking up any leftover sauce. Wine: A glass of red or white wine is always a classic combination when it comes to pasta. Fruit Salad: For a lighter side, consider serving a bowl of fruit salad. The natural sweetness can balance out the savory elements of the pasta. Meatballs: This recipe already calls for ground turkey so you could either add meatballs or replace them with these tasty Baked Turkey Meatballs or these Lentil Meatballs for a vegetarian option.

How to Store

After you’ve enjoyed your delicious creamy cottage cheese pasta, you’ll likely want to save the leftovers (if there are any!). Simply let the pasta cool down to room temperature, and then transfer it into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can either microwave it for a couple of minutes or toss it back into a pan on low heat until it’s warmed through.