Cottage Cheese Rigatoni: High-Protein Creamy Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Cottage Cheese Rigatoni is a creamy, high-protein pasta that combines a rich homemade marinara with smooth cottage cheese for a deliciously healthy twist. It’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for a nutritious 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
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until just under al dente—about one minute less than the package suggests. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rigatoni.
- 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.
- Step 3: Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Transfer the hot marinara sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender. Add the cottage cheese and grated Parmesan, then blend until smooth and creamy. For the best texture, blend while the sauce is still hot.
- Step 5: Pour the creamy sauce back into the skillet and add the cooked rigatoni. Toss to coat each piece evenly. If needed, adjust the sauce consistency by stirring in reserved pasta water little by little.
- Step 6: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use whole milk cottage cheese for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer a chunkier sauce, pulse fewer times in the blender or only partially blend.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of pasta water or olive oil if the sauce thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of rigatoni?
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, ziti, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well.
Is cottage cheese necessary for this recipe?
Cottage cheese is key for adding protein and creaminess without heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, try blending silken tofu or cashew cream instead.
PrintCottage Cheese Rigatoni: High-Protein Creamy Pasta Recipe
This Cottage Cheese Rigatoni recipe is a creamy, high-protein pasta dish that combines a homemade marinara sauce with blended cottage cheese for a silky smooth texture. Packed with fresh ingredients and enriched with Parmesan, it’s a hearty and healthy twist on classic Italian pasta that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
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
- Cook rigatoni pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, undercooking by one minute since it will finish cooking in the sauce. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Make homemade marinara sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and golden. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build a flavorful tomato base: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Blend cottage cheese pasta sauce: Transfer the hot marinara to a blender or use an immersion blender in the skillet. Add the cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, creating a silky, high-protein pasta sauce. (Pro tip: blending while the sauce is still hot yields the creamiest texture.)
- 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.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a hearty, healthy pasta meal.
Notes
- Undercooking the pasta by one minute helps it absorb the sauce better as it finishes cooking together.
- Whole milk cottage cheese is recommended for a creamier texture, but low-fat versions can be used for a lighter dish.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without thinning the flavors.
- You can omit red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder sauce.
- Blending the hot sauce and cottage cheese together ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan elevate the flavor and presentation.
Keywords: Cottage Cheese Rigatoni, High Protein Pasta, Creamy Pasta Sauce, Homemade Marinara, Healthy Italian Recipe, Easy Dinner
