Cottage Cheese Pasta

Introduction & Inspiration

Sometimes you just need a cozy, creamy pasta dish that feels indulgent but still sneaks in some protein and wholesome ingredients.

That’s exactly why I created this Cottage Cheese Pasta recipe.

It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying — all while using cottage cheese to create a luscious sauce without heavy cream.

Perfect for busy nights when you want real comfort food without a lot of fuss or guilt.

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Nostalgic Appeal

Pasta night was always a big deal in my house growing up.

The whole kitchen would fill with the smell of simmering sauce, bubbling pots, and fresh herbs.

This Cottage Cheese Pasta brings back those same warm, cozy memories, but with a modern twist.

It’s packed with creamy, cheesy goodness, but feels lighter and more balanced thanks to the cottage cheese.

It’s exactly the kind of meal that makes you want to gather everyone around the table — no special occasion needed.

Homemade Focus

Making this dish from scratch means you know exactly what’s going into your dinner — fresh ingredients, simple seasonings, and no hidden extras.

You sauté your own onions and garlic, brown the chicken yourself, and blend the sauce to creamy perfection.

Using cottage cheese instead of heavy cream or tons of butter makes this dish feel a little lighter but still incredibly rich.

Homemade pasta dishes like this prove that simple ingredients can create the most comforting, satisfying meals.

And once you see how quick it is, you’ll want to skip the jarred sauces forever.

Flavor Goal

The goal with this recipe was to create a creamy, hearty pasta that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t feel overly heavy.

The rigatoni pasta soaks up the rich, tangy sauce perfectly in every bite.

Sautéed onions and garlic add a savory, aromatic base that enhances every layer of the dish.

The chicken mince brings hearty, satisfying texture and a boost of protein.

Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes add warmth and just a tiny hint of spice.

The cottage cheese blends into the marinara sauce to create a silky, creamy texture that coats every piece of pasta beautifully.

The final sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil ties everything together with a fresh, flavorful finish.

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient plays a key role in making this Cottage Cheese Pasta a total flavor bomb.

Rigatoni pasta is the perfect choice — the ridges hold onto the sauce and deliver maximum flavor in every bite.

Olive oil adds richness and helps the onions and garlic soften and release their flavor.

Yellow onion brings a natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the marinara sauce.

Fresh garlic adds that unmistakable savory punch that makes every pasta dish better.

Chicken mince adds lean, hearty protein and makes the dish feel extra satisfying.

Italian seasoning layers in classic herb flavors like oregano, basil, and thyme.

Red pepper flakes are optional but add a little heat that really elevates the sauce.

Marinara sauce provides a rich, tomatoey base that becomes luxurious once blended with cottage cheese.

Cottage cheese adds creaminess, a protein boost, and a light, tangy flavor that sets this dish apart.

Parmesan cheese brings a nutty, salty depth right at the end.

Fresh basil finishes everything with a bright, herbaceous pop.

Essential Equipment

You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools to pull this dish together easily.

A large pot for cooking the pasta.

A big skillet or sauté pan for making the sauce and cooking the chicken.

A blender or food processor to blend the marinara sauce and cottage cheese into a creamy, dreamy mixture.

A spatula or wooden spoon to stir everything together.

Simple tools, major comfort food payoff.

Ingredients with Measurements

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 3 cups uncooked rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound chicken mince (ground chicken)
• 2 teaspoons 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

For Garnish:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

Step 2:
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4:
Add the chicken mince to the skillet.
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and a little salt and black pepper.

Step 5:
Use a spatula to break up the chicken mince, mixing it with the onions, garlic, and seasonings.
Cook for about 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink.

Step 6:
While the chicken cooks, blend the marinara sauce and cottage cheese together until smooth and creamy.

Step 7:
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the blended sauce into the skillet with the chicken mixture.

Step 8:
Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet.
Stir everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 9:
Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10:
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Troubleshooting

If your sauce looks too thick after mixing, add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth to loosen it up.

If you prefer a chunkier sauce, don’t blend the cottage cheese fully — just pulse a few times to keep some texture.

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; a little extra salt or Parmesan can make the flavors pop even more.

Make sure not to overcook the rigatoni — you want it tender but still with a slight bite to hold up to the creamy sauce.

Tips and Variations

Swap ground turkey for chicken mince if you prefer.

Use penne, ziti, or shells instead of rigatoni for a fun pasta twist.

Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies.

Top with a little crushed red pepper for extra spice or a drizzle of olive oil for richness.

Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken mince and adding roasted veggies or chickpeas instead.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta with a crisp green salad and some warm garlic bread.

Pair it with a glass of light red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

It’s also amazing with a simple roasted vegetable side dish like asparagus or broccoli.

Perfect for cozy weeknights, casual dinners with friends, or when you just need a little creamy comfort.

Nutritional Information

This dish is high in protein thanks to the chicken mince and cottage cheese.

Using cottage cheese instead of heavy cream lightens up the sauce while still keeping it rich and satisfying.

It’s a balanced meal that gives you a hearty serving of protein, fiber from the pasta, and vibrant flavor without feeling heavy.

Real food, real comfort, real satisfaction.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

This Cottage Cheese Pasta is creamy, hearty, and full of rich flavor — the perfect comforting dinner made lighter with a clever cottage cheese twist.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes!
Cook and combine everything, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth.

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Sure!
Ricotta will give a slightly different texture but still deliciously creamy results.

How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently, stirring in a little extra marinara or broth if needed.

Quick, creamy, protein-packed, and full of flavor — it’s the kind of pasta you’ll want to make again and again!