A delicious aroma wafts through the kitchen as you stir a creamy, vibrant marinara sauce, rich with the goodness of cottage cheese. This Cottage Cheese Rigatoni is a high-protein, creamy pasta dish that takes just 30 minutes to prepare and is sure to make your mealtime feel special. The secret to its success lies in blending the cottage cheese into the sauce, resulting in a smooth texture that elevates the whole dish.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome dinner option or a comforting dish to impress guests, this creamy pasta delivers. Plus, it can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, ready to be reheated for a quick meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The creamy texture comes from blending cottage cheese directly into the sauce.
- It’s a quick, 30-minute meal perfect for busy evenings.
- Rich in protein, making it a hearty choice for fuel.
- The blend of flavors from fresh ingredients creates an irresistible marinara.
What You’ll Need
Gather these fresh ingredients for a satisfying dish.
For the Marinara 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
For the Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
For the Creaminess
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese, whole milk recommended for best texture
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Substitutions: whole milk can be swapped for low-fat; parsley can be replaced with basil.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese.
- Swap rigatoni for penne or fusilli.
- Omit red pepper flakes for a milder sauce.
- Use any favorite cheese instead of Parmesan.
How to Make It
Follow these steps for a creamy and flavorful pasta dish.
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 in the sauce. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Make homemade marinara sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 5–6 minutes until softened and golden. Stir in garlic and cook 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. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the marinara thickens slightly.
Blend cottage cheese pasta sauce
Transfer the hot marinara to a blender (or use an immersion blender). Add cottage cheese and Parmesan. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, creating a silky high-protein pasta sauce. Pro Tip: Blend while the sauce is still hot for the creamiest texture.
Coat pasta with sauce
Return the creamy cottage cheese marinara sauce to the skillet. Add cooked rigatoni and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately as a hearty, healthy pasta dish.
How to Store It
Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: no, the texture may change.
Reheat: microwave for 2–3 minutes or until hot.
Tips for Best Results
- Use whole milk cottage cheese for a richer texture.
- Ensure the marinara is hot before blending for optimal creaminess.
- Adjust the pasta water gradually to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Fresh herbs make a great finishing touch right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside crusty bread for dipping.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a special dinner.
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