Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta (High-Protein) (Print Version)
Cottage cheese pasta delivers 30g+ protein per serving in under 20 minutes. Creamy, satisfying, and made with simple pantry ingredients.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 5 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Pasta Base
01 -
12 oz rigatoni pasta
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1 tsp salt (for pasta water)
→ Silky Cottage Cheese Sauce
04 -
2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
05 -
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
06 -
3/4 cup reserved pasta water
07 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1 tbsp lemon juice
09 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
10 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Savory Italian Aromatics
11 -
1 tbsp olive oil
12 -
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
13 -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
14 -
3/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
15 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
→ Fresh Finishing Touches
16 -
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
17 -
2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
18 -
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tsp salt. Cook 12 oz rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 3/4 cup pasta water — this starchy liquid is essential for your Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe sauce. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
02 -
While pasta cooks, add 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to a blender. Blend on high for 60 seconds until completely smooth and silky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
03 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 3/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes and 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 -
Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to blister and release their juices. This builds a rich, savory base that makes this Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe incredibly flavorful.
05 -
Reduce skillet heat to low. Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet, then pour the blended cottage cheese sauce over the pasta. Gently toss everything together, adding the remaining reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency and coats every piece of pasta evenly.
06 -
For the best Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe results, stir the pasta over low heat for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is warmed through and clings beautifully to the rigatoni. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice as needed. Do not overheat or the sauce may separate.
07 -
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves and 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley. Divide into four bowls and top each serving with 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese for garnish. Serve your Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe immediately while hot and saucy for the best texture.
# Notes:
01 -
💡 Blending Tip: For the silkiest sauce, make sure your cottage cheese is at room temperature before blending. Cold cottage cheese can result in a slightly grainy texture that won't emulsify as smoothly with the Parmesan.
02 -
🥡 Storage Advice: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce, as it thickens considerably when chilled. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
03 -
🔄 Substitution Tip: Full-fat cottage cheese is strongly recommended for the creamiest results, but 2% works in a pinch. You can also swap rigatoni for penne, ziti, or fusilli — any short pasta with ridges or tubes that can hold the thick, creamy sauce works beautifully.
04 -
🍽️ Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and a slice of crusty garlic bread. For extra protein, top with grilled chicken breast or Italian turkey sausage crumbles to make it an even heartier meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
large pot
02 -
colander
03 -
large skillet or sauté pan
04 -
blender or food processor
05 -
wooden spoon
06 -
measuring cups and spoons
07 -
cheese grater
08 -
ladle
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 kcal
Total Fat: 14 g
Total Carbohydrate: 68 g
Protein: 32 g