Cottage Cheese Pasta Bliss: A Creamy, Flavorful Hug in Every Twirl!
Make this Cottage Cheese Pasta: tender rigatoni, spiced chicken, and a creamy marinara sauce with parmesan. Easy, hearty, and perfect for pasta night!
Ingredients
Here’s everything I use, measured out with love:
- 3 cups uncooked rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb chicken mince
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- A pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Garnish:
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil
I line it all up on my counter, and it’s like a pasta feast waiting to happen. This makes 4-6 hearty servings—perfect for sharing or savoring solo, depending on my mood. It’s my roadmap to creamy bliss. I always double-check my stash before I start—it’s my ritual to stay chill. Nothing’s worse than missing marinara mid-prep, right? Keeps me in the groove and ready to cook.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Let’s get twirly—cook 3 cups uncooked rigatoni pasta per package instructions (I love that pasta dance!). Drain and set aside—ready for action (my kitchen’s buzzing with pasta vibes!). It’s the chewy base—pure rigatoni joy!
Step 2: Sauté the Base
Heat a large skillet over medium-high—add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 chopped medium yellow onion (I grin at that sizzle!). Sauté 4-5 minutes ‘til translucent—add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook 30 seconds (my kitchen smells like Italy!). It’s the savory start—pure onion-garlic magic!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add 1 lb chicken mince—sprinkle with 2 tsp Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper to taste (my heart races for that spice!). Break it apart with a spatula—coat with seasonings and cook 6-8 minutes ‘til done (my kitchen’s a spice haven!). It’s the hearty kick—pure chicken delight!
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
While chicken cooks, blend 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce and ½ cup cottage cheese ‘til smooth (I love that creamy hum!). Set aside—ready to pour (my blender’s purring!). It’s the tangy cream—pure sauce bliss!
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the sauce into the skillet—add cooked rigatoni and stir well (I feel like a pasta artist!). Cook 2-3 minutes ‘til warm—mix it all up (my heart races for that meld!). It’s coming together—pure creamy joy!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with grated parmesan and chopped fresh basil (that first bite’s pure bliss, and you made it happen!). Serve hot—dig in (my table’s a feast!). Enjoy with love—it’s a winner every time!