Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is a quick, high-protein dinner made with tender pasta, lean ground turkey, rich marinara sauce, blended cottage cheese, garlic, onion, fresh basil, and parmesan. This easy 30-minute meal is creamy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
8 ounces dry rigatoni or pasta of choice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound lean ground turkey
24 ounces marinara sauce
1/2 cup whole milk cottage cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, chopped
Fresh grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook while breaking it apart until fully browned and cooked through.
5. Blend the marinara sauce with the cottage cheese until completely smooth and creamy.
6. Pour the blended sauce into the skillet with the cooked turkey and stir well.
7. Add the cooked pasta and toss until every piece is coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
9. Serve hot with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
Blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth for the creamiest sauce.
Rigatoni, penne, rotini, or chickpea pasta all work well.
Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
Ricotta can replace cottage cheese if preferred.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.