Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta

Introduction

Craving a delicious and creamy pasta that is not only easy to whip up, but healthy too? Say hello to my delicious Cottage Cheese Pasta recipe! Loaded with ground turkey, wholesome veggies, and protein-packed cottage cheese, this recipe is festooned with balanced macros and can be on your dinner table in just 30 minutes. It’s a family-friendly crowd pleaser that you’re going to adore.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Pasta

• Toss this yummy pasta together in just 30 minutes.
• Relish a creamy and protein-packed cottage cheese sauce.
• Savor a macro-balanced meal that satisfies every taste bud.
• A comforting and universally likable dish, perfect for everyone in the family.
• An excellent option for easy weeknight dinners, and it doubles up brilliantly for meal prep!

According to UCLA Health, cottage cheese offers significant nutritional benefits, including a high protein content that can support weight management and help stabilize blood sugar levels. nutritional benefits of cottage cheese

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta – I prefer rigatoni but use what you fancy.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion (roughly 120 grams)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground turkey (I prefer 93/7 lean)
• 2 cups diced red bell pepper (approximately 220 grams)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – adjust to taste
• 3 cups spinach, tightly packed and chopped (approximately 90 grams)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups pasta sauce (marinara works well)
• 1 cup cottage cheese (I used low-fat)
• Fresh basil and parmesan cheese for topping

Notes & Substitutions

• Pasta: penne or farfalle are great swaps; use gluten-free if needed.
• Protein: ground chicken or lean beef instead of turkey.
• Veggies: swap bell pepper for zucchini or mushrooms.
• Garlic: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon garlic powder if you’re out of fresh.
• Heat: reduce or increase red pepper flakes to taste.
• Cottage cheese: any fat level works; low-fat keeps macros lean.

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large nonstick skillet
• High-speed blender or food processor
• Tongs or spatula
• Optional meat chopper

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: bring a pot of water to boil, cook your pasta till it’s perfect al dente. Make sure to drain, and keep aside 1/4 cup of pasta water for later.
2. Prep your vegetables: dice the onions, chop the spinach, and dice the bell pepper. Remember to mince the garlic too.
3. Brown the meat & sauté veggies: Heat oil in a skillet, sauté onions with a sprinkle of salt and pepper until they soften. Stir in garlic and cook till fragrant.
4. Then brown the turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the bell peppers along with the basil and red pepper flakes. Add the spinach last, cooking until it’s wilted.
5. Make the cottage cheese pasta sauce: In a blender, combine marinara sauce and cottage cheese, whirring until smooth and creamy.
6. Combine and serve: Add pasta, sauce, and some reserved pasta water to the skillet, mixing until everything is warmly coated. Serve topped with your favorite garnish.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Prep first for a true 30-minute cook.
• Blend warm sauce for ultra-smooth texture.
• Sauce too thick Add pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
• Sauce separating Lower the heat and stir; a splash of pasta water helps emulsify.
• Want extra protein Use chickpea or lentil pasta or add a little more turkey.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or garlic bread.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate in an airtight container 4–5 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a spoon of sauce or water if it thickens.

Flavor Variations

• Mediterranean Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes; finish with feta.
• Extra veggie Swap in mushrooms or zucchini.
• Spicy Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
• Vegetarian Omit turkey or use plant-based crumbles.

Nutrition Information (estimate per serving)

Approx. 562 kcal • 37.2 g protein • 60 g carbs • 19.8 g fat • ~6 g fiber
Actual values vary by brands and portion size.

Research suggests that high-protein meals can help increase satiety, preserve muscle mass, and boost metabolism, contributing to effective weight management. benefits of high-protein meals

Cottage Cheese Pasta FAQs

Conclusion

This Cottage Cheese Pasta is a quick, versatile, and protein-packed meal that’s absolutely delicious. It’s a healthier alternative to conventional creamy pastas, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Try making it today and share your creation with us – we’re excited to see how you love this recipe. Remember, every review helps!

Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta

A flavorful and healthy pasta dish featuring ground turkey, bell peppers, and spinach, tossed in a creamy sauce made from blended cottage cheese and marinara. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 562 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Large nonstick pan
• High-speed blender or food processor
• Spoon or meat chopper

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion (120 grams)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground turkey (I used 93/7)
• 2 cups diced red bell pepper (220 grams)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (use less for less spicy)
• 3 packed cups spinach, chopped (90 grams)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups pasta sauce
• 1 cup cottage cheese (I used low-fat)

For Topping

• fresh basil
• grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

Cooking Pasta

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water.

Prepare Ingredients

• While the pasta water heats, prepare your vegetables.

Brown Meat and Sauté Vegetables

• Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Sauté onions with salt and pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add ground turkey, break it up, and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Stir in bell peppers, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, then sauté for 4-5 minutes.
• Finally, add chopped spinach, stir to combine, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until wilted.

Make the Sauce

• While the meat and vegetables cook, blend marinara sauce and cottage cheese in a high-speed blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Dish

• Combine the cooked pasta, creamy cottage cheese sauce, and 2 tablespoons (or more) of the reserved pasta water in the pan. Stir well and warm through for 1-2 minutes.

Serve

• Top with fresh basil, grated parmesan cheese, or other desired toppings and enjoy.

Notes

Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining for a creamier sauce. Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.