Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Healthy Cottage Cheese Rigatoni – Easy 30-Minute High Protein Dinner

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Need dinner fast? Transform plain cottage cheese into a luxurious, velvety sauce in 30 minutes! This high-protein rigatoni dinner features blended cheese perfection and marinara tang.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz Rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup Low-fat cottage cheese
  • 24 oz Jar of marinara sauce (low-sugar preferred)
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tsp Dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve approximately 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy base. Place the cottage cheese in a high-speed blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth and velvety, scraping down the sides as necessary.
  3. Step 3: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in the Italian seasoning; let simmer gently for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Stir the blended cottage cheese and the reserved pasta water into the marinara sauce until the sauce is uniform and creamy. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained rigatoni directly into the sauce and toss vigorously until every piece of pasta is fully coated. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Store leftovers tightly sealed in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb the creamy sauce, resulting in a thicker dish later.
  • To reheat, use the stovetop on low heat and add a tablespoon or two of water or extra marinara sauce to help loosen the pasta and re-emulsify the cottage cheese base.
  • Balance the rich, savory sauce by serving the rigatoni alongside a crisp side salad or garnishing generously with finely chopped fresh basil before serving.
  • Achieving that truly velvety, creamy texture depends entirely on Step 2; make sure your cottage cheese is completely smooth and free of curds before adding it to the marinara.
  • Author: alanya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 large bowl (approx. 350g)
  • Calories: 475
  • Sodium: 770mg
  • Fat: 9.0g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.0g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Protein: 8g

Find it online: https://yummyplatess.com/healthy-cottage-cheese-rigatoni-easy-30-minute-high-protein-dinner/