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Creamy high-protein Cottage Cheese Rigatoni pasta dish served in a bowl

Cottage Cheese Marinara Pasta

A creamy, protein-rich pasta dish featuring rigatoni coated in a silky cottage cheese marinara sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta Cooked until al dente, undercooked by 1 minute.
  • 1 tbsp salt For the pasta water.
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water To adjust sauce consistency as needed.
For the Sauce
  • 1.5 cups cottage cheese Whole milk recommended for best texture.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for serving.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Cook for 30 seconds to avoid bitterness.
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste Brown it for better flavor.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Method
 

Pasta Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente, undercooking by 1 minute. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Making the Marinara Sauce
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and golden.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add 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.
Blending the Sauce
  1. Transfer the hot marinara to a blender (or use an immersion blender). Add cottage cheese and Parmesan. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Coating the Pasta
  1. 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.
Serving
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a silkier texture, use full-fat cottage cheese. The dish can be made ahead; just reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.