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Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta: A Quick and Protein-Packed Meal

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta served with fresh parmesan and basil
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This creamy cottage cheese pasta is a quick, high-protein dinner made with ground turkey, pasta, and a smooth cottage cheese marinara sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 8 oz dry pasta of choice (rigatoni recommended)
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup whole milk cottage cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, for serving
  • Fresh parmesan, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. While pasta is cooking, add oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until fragrant and slightly translucent. Season with salt and pepper, then add garlic and sauté 1–2 more minutes.

3. Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking apart the meat, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

4. While the turkey is cooking, add marinara sauce and cottage cheese to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

5. Once the turkey is cooked, pour the sauce over the turkey, add cooked pasta, and stir to combine.

6. Serve topped with fresh parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

Pasta Choice: Rigatoni works great, but any pasta shape will do. High-protein pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta also works well.

Cottage Cheese: Ricotta can be substituted, but cottage cheese adds extra protein and blends smoothly into the sauce.

Adding Veggies: Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms are great additions sautéed with the onion and garlic.

Fresh Herbs: Basil is classic, but parsley, oregano, or thyme are also delicious options.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/creamy-cottage-cheese-pasta/