Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy cottage cheese pasta is a delicious twist on a classic pasta dish, combining ground turkey with a smooth, flavorful sauce. It’s an easy weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.

Ingredients

• 8 oz dry pasta of choice (rigatoni recommended)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce (such as Rao’s)
• ½ cup whole milk cottage cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for serving
• Fresh parmesan, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Season with salt and pepper. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula or wooden spoon, until evenly browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Step 4: While the turkey cooks, combine marinara sauce and cottage cheese in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Once the turkey is cooked, pour the blended sauce over the meat in the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and stir well to combine everything evenly.
6. Step 6: Serve pasta topped with fresh parmesan cheese and basil leaves for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use any pasta shape you prefer; penne or fusilli work well if rigatoni is unavailable.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a little heavy cream or Greek yogurt along with the cottage cheese.
• Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef according to your taste.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can be added for additional flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese to reduce calories, but the sauce may be less creamy and slightly tangier.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground turkey and add sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils as a protein substitute.

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 69 reviews

This Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a smooth and creamy sauce made from marinara and cottage cheese, combined with savory ground turkey and aromatic sautéed onions and garlic. Finished with fresh basil and parmesan, this recipe offers a nutritious and flavorful twist on classic pasta dishes.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz dry pasta of choice (rigatoni recommended)

Sauce and Meat

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (recommend Rao’s marinara sauce)
• ½ cup whole milk cottage cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes

• Fresh basil (for serving)
• Fresh parmesan (for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until fragrant and slightly translucent. Season with salt and pepper. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes to release its aroma.
3. Cook ground turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break the meat apart with a spatula or wooden spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
4. Prepare creamy sauce: While the turkey cooks, combine the marinara sauce and cottage cheese in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious sauce base.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Once the turkey is fully cooked, pour the blended sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy sauce and meat mixture.
6. Serve: Spoon the pasta onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with fresh grated parmesan and torn fresh basil leaves for added brightness and flavor.

Notes

• Using whole milk cottage cheese adds richness and creaminess to the sauce without needing heavy cream.
• Rao’s marinara sauce is recommended for its robust flavor, but any high-quality marinara will work.
• You can substitute ground beef or Italian sausage for the ground turkey if desired.
• Blend the sauce carefully to ensure it becomes smooth and creamy, enhancing the texture of the dish.
• Fresh basil and parmesan elevate the dish with freshness and sharp, savory notes.

Keywords: creamy pasta, cottage cheese pasta, ground turkey pasta, easy dinner, Italian pasta recipe, creamy marinara sauce