Cottage Cheese Rigatoni (High-Protein, Creamy Pasta) Recipe

Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Rigatoni is a creamy, high-protein pasta dish that combines a rich homemade marinara with smooth cottage cheese for a silky sauce. It’s hearty, healthy, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (whole milk recommended for best texture)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until just under al dente, about 1 minute less than the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the marinara thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Carefully transfer the hot marinara to a blender or use an immersion blender. Add the cottage cheese and grated Parmesan. Blend until completely smooth and creamy to create a silky, high-protein sauce. For best texture, blend while the sauce is still warm.
5. Step 5: Return the creamy sauce to the skillet. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss to coat every piece evenly. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by stirring in the reserved pasta water a little at a time.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use whole milk cottage cheese for a creamier texture, or low-fat for a lighter dish.
• Substitute rigatoni with penne or ziti if preferred.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra vegetables.
• If you don’t have a blender, carefully mash the sauce and cottage cheese with a fork, though it won’t be as smooth.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh for the creamiest texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?

While cottage cheese gives this dish its creamy texture and protein boost, you can experiment with ricotta or cream cheese. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will change slightly.

Is it necessary to blend the sauce?

Blending the sauce ensures it is silky and smooth, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip blending or pulse the sauce briefly. Just be sure the cottage cheese is well incorporated.

Cottage Cheese Rigatoni (High-Protein, Creamy Pasta) Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Rigatoni recipe offers a creamy, high-protein pasta dish that combines a smooth homemade marinara sauce blended with cottage cheese and Parmesan for extra richness. The sauce is packed with flavor from sautéed onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning, creating a hearty and nutritious meal perfect for a comforting yet healthy dinner.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (whole milk recommended for best texture)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook rigatoni pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, undercooking by 1 minute since it will finish cooking in the sauce. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Make homemade marinara sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Build a flavorful tomato base: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the marinara thickens slightly.
4. Blend cottage cheese pasta sauce: Transfer the hot marinara sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender. Add the cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy, creating a silky high-protein pasta sauce. For the creamiest texture, blend while the sauce is still hot.
5. Coat pasta with sauce: Return the creamy cottage cheese marinara sauce to the skillet. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Adjust the sauce consistency as needed by adding reserved pasta water gradually.
6. Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a hearty and healthy meal.

Notes

• Under-cooking the pasta slightly ensures it finishes cooking perfectly when tossed with the sauce.
• Using whole milk cottage cheese provides the creamiest texture.
• You can adjust the heat by adding or omitting the red pepper flakes according to your preference.
• If using a blender, be cautious when blending hot liquids—allow steam to escape to prevent pressure buildup.
• Reserved pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
• This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture, but leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.

Keywords: cottage cheese pasta, creamy rigatoni, high protein pasta, easy Italian pasta, healthy pasta recipe, homemade marinara sauce