Go Back
Close-up of creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta served in a dark pan with fresh basil and grated cheese.

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
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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.