Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta
User Reviews
5
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta
Description
This pasta dish starts by cooking dry pasta to al dente and sautéing chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant in olive oil. Ground turkey is then browned in the skillet, creating a savory protein base. The sauce combines cottage cheese and marinara sauce blended into a smooth, creamy mixture that contrasts with the texture of the ground meat and pasta.
Once the turkey is cooked through, the blended sauce is added to the skillet, and the cooked pasta is stirred in for even coating. Serving with fresh basil leaves and freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds herbal notes and a nutty umami finish. The dish balances protein, creaminess, and tomato flavor effectively.
Various pasta shapes can be used depending on preference, with higher protein pasta as an option. Cottage cheese can be swapped for ricotta if desired, offering similar creaminess. Additional vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added sautéed alongside onions for more flavor and nutrients. Fresh herbs besides basil such as parsley, oregano, or thyme may also be used to vary the freshness and aroma.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta I used rigatoni, dry, of choice
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 3 large garlic minced, cloves
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 oz marinara sauce I used Rao's marinara sauce, jar
- ½ cup cottage cheese whole milk
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- basil for serving, fresh
- Parmesan Cheese for serving, fresh
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking add oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add onion and saute for 5-6 minutes until fragrant and a bit translucent. Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic and saute 1-2 more minutes.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking apart meat with a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- While ground turkey is cooking, add marinara sauce and cottage cheese to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Once turkey is cooked, pour the sauce over the turkey mixture, add cooked pasta and stir to combine.
- Add a scoop of pasta to a bowl or plate. Top with fresh parmesan and fresh basil, for serving.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, including high-protein options like chickpea or lentil pasta.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted with ricotta for a similar creamy texture.
- Add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms sautéed with onion and garlic for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, or thyme work well for garnish and flavor variation.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 603 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/4 recipe | |
| Calories | 603kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 54g | 18% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 89mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 889mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 973mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
