Description

This Healthy Cottage Cheese Rigatoni recipe is an easy and cozy dinner idea that combines creamy cottage cheese sauce with fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal, it features a smooth cottage cheese blend that provides protein and richness without heavy cream, paired with al dente rigatoni pasta and optional fresh cherry tomatoes and basil for brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz rigatoni pasta

Sauce

1½ cups (340g) full-fat small curd cottage cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
3 cups (90g) fresh spinach (optional)
½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Garnishes

1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
A handful fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions

Cook Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes according to package instructions. Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
Sauté Garlic and Spinach: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Blend Cottage Cheese: Place cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy, about 20-30 seconds, ensuring no lumps remain.
Prepare Sauce: Lower heat to low. Add the blended cottage cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Stir gently to combine. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce reaches a creamy but pourable consistency. If desired, stir in red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Add Fresh Ingredients: If using, fold in halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves just before serving to add freshness and flavor.
Serve: Serve the rigatoni warm, sprinkled with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired, for extra richness.

Notes

For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but the sauce may be less creamy.
Be careful not to brown the garlic during sautéing to avoid bitterness.
Reserve pasta water adds starch that helps create a silky sauce consistency.
Fresh spinach is optional, but adds vitamins and a vibrant color.
Cherry tomatoes and basil are optional but provide fresh contrast and flavor.
This dish is best served immediately for optimal creaminess and texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: cottage cheese rigatoni, healthy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, vegetarian dinner, easy cozy dinner, spinach pasta, cottage cheese sauce