Spinach Cottage Cheese Pasta – Easy 20-Minute Recipe for High Protein Comfort

Spinach cottage cheese pasta is your new go-to comfort meal that’s creamy, cozy, and packed with protein, all without the guilt. Whether you’re trying to sneak more greens into your dinner or just looking for a satisfying, healthy dish that won’t take forever, this one checks every box.

Creamy spinach cottage cheese pasta with melted mozzarella on a fork
Creamy spinach cottage cheese pasta shells with garlic, mozzarella, and fresh spinach

We’re talking tender pasta shells tossed with melty mozzarella, savory garlic, wilted spinach, and creamy cottage cheese that blends into a luscious, light sauce. It’s the perfect balance of rich and refreshing, hearty enough to feel indulgent, but light enough to enjoy any night of the week.

If you’re looking for a high protein vegetarian pasta dish that’s quick, low-fuss, and absolutely crave-worthy, keep reading, because this spinach cottage cheese pasta is about to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Creamy spinach cottage cheese pasta with melted mozzarella on a fork

Spinach cottage cheese pasta


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  • Author: Leena Martin
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy spinach cottage cheese pasta is a high-protein, one-pot meal packed with tender pasta, melty cheese, and sautéed spinach — perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.


Ingredients

8 ounces medium pasta shells

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon minced garlic

5 ounces baby spinach

8 ounces cottage cheese (2%)

4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

2 pinches sea salt

2 to 4 tablespoons pasta water

Grated parmesan cheese (optional topping)


Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta.

2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add spinach and cook until wilted.

3. Lower heat and stir in cottage cheese. Add pasta water gradually to create a creamy sauce.

4. Mix in mozzarella until fully melted and smooth.

5. Add pasta back into the pot and stir to coat. Season with sea salt to taste.

6. Serve hot with optional grated parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Use full-fat cottage cheese for extra creaminess.

Frozen spinach can be used — just thaw and drain well.

For smoother sauce, blend the cottage cheese before adding.

Leftovers reheat best with a splash of water or milk.

Feel free to toss in extra veggies or protein like mushrooms or grilled chicken.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Why You’ll Love spinach cottage cheese pasta

High-Protein, Easy & Delicious

This spinach cottage cheese pasta isn’t just creamy and satisfying, it’s secretly a protein powerhouse. With over 40g of protein per serving thanks to cottage cheese and mozzarella, it’s the kind of meal that fuels your body without making you feel heavy.

Even better? You only need simple pantry ingredients and about 20 minutes from stovetop to table. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up dinner after a long day, this pasta brings serious flavor with almost no fuss.

And if you’ve got a soft spot for cheesy comfort food but still want to eat lighter, this pasta fits right between indulgent and wholesome. It’s just as weeknight-friendly as this baked potato and cottage cheese dish, hearty, simple, and totally crave-worthy.

Perfect for Meal Prep or Quick Breakfast

This dish isn’t just great for dinner, leftovers heat up beautifully too. Pack it for lunch or sneak a warm bowl for a cozy breakfast (yep, savory breakfasts are underrated!). The spinach holds up well, and the cheese stays creamy, not clumpy.

You can even turn this into a high-protein breakfast bowl, kind of like how we repurpose ingredients in our cottage cheese and spinach crustless quiche for any time of day.

It’s a perfect example of how one simple recipe can flex into so many parts of your week, and all it takes is one pot, a few ingredients, and a craving for something delicious.

Ingredients & Substitutions for the Best Spinach Cottage Cheese Pasta

Key Ingredients for the Best Spinach Cottage Cheese Pasta

This spinach cottage cheese pasta keeps things simple, but every ingredient plays a role in making it creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor.

  • Pasta shells – Medium shells are ideal because they scoop up all that creamy goodness. But penne, fusilli, or even rotini work great too!
  • Olive oil – For sautéing the garlic and spinach. If you’re out, avocado oil is a solid backup.
  • Garlic – Freshly minced is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
  • Baby spinach – Wilts down beautifully and blends into the sauce. Frozen spinach works too — just thaw and squeeze out the excess water.
  • Cottage cheese (2%) – The star of the show. Use 4% for a richer flavor, or try vegan cottage cheese for a dairy-free spin.
  • Mozzarella cheese – Adds meltiness! Swap for part-skim if you’re watching fats, or go wild with gouda or fontina for extra richness.
  • Sea salt – Just enough to balance the flavors.
  • Reserved pasta water – Helps thin and bind the sauce for that silky finish.
  • Parmesan cheese (optional) – A savory topping for extra umami punch.

This ingredient list keeps things easy, and still brings out the best in a healthy cottage cheese pasta that’s high in protein and full of flavor.

Easy Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

If you’re out of an ingredient or want to make this dish your own, here are some quick swaps that still deliver creamy, craveable results:

  • Swap baby spinach for chopped kale or arugula.
  • Try whole wheat or chickpea pasta to make it a low carb cottage cheese recipe.
  • Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
  • Stir in red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
  • Want more fiber? Add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
  • Making it ahead? Just like our cottage cheese chips, it holds up great in the fridge!

No fancy ingredients. No stress. Just a dish you can trust to come out creamy and comforting every time.

Ingredients

IngredientAmount
Medium pasta shells8 ounces
Olive oil1 tablespoon
Minced garlic1 teaspoon
Baby spinach5 ounces
Cottage cheese (2%)8 ounces
Shredded mozzarella cheese4 ounces
Sea salt2 pinches
Reserved pasta water2 to 4 tablespoons
Grated parmesan (optional)To taste

How to Make Spinach Cottage Cheese Pasta

You won’t believe how easy this creamy spinach cottage cheese pasta is. It’s a true one-pot wonder that brings the flavor without the fuss. Whether you’re new to cooking or just short on time, these steps will walk you through it with total confidence.

Step-by-step collage showing ingredients, sautéed spinach, and melted cottage cheese for spinach cottage cheese pasta
Step-by-step visuals: from fresh ingredients to creamy, cheesy pasta perfection

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta shells and cook until al dente. Before draining, scoop out ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, trust me, you’ll need this for the sauce!

Step 2: Sauté garlic and spinach.
In the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then toss in 5 ounces of baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the cottage cheese.
Lower the heat. Stir in 8 ounces of cottage cheese until it starts to warm through and become creamy. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water, just enough to loosen things up and create that silky sauce.

Step 4: Stir in mozzarella.
Add 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until fully melted and blended into the sauce. The result should be creamy, melty, and completely irresistible.

Step 5: Combine everything.
Add the drained pasta shells into the sauce and toss to coat. Season with two pinches of sea salt (or to taste). If it’s looking a little thick, add another splash of pasta water until it’s just right.

Step 6: Top & serve.
Dish it up immediately and top with grated parmesan if you like. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy bite!

For a fun twist, serve it with a side of crispy cottage cheese chips or try it alongside our cottage cheese Caesar dressing tossed over greens.

Tips for the Best Spinach Cottage Cheese Pasta

Want your spinach cottage cheese pasta to come out creamy, dreamy, and seriously satisfying every single time? These tips will help you nail it, no fancy skills needed.

Pro Tips for Perfect Texture & Flavor

  • Don’t skip the pasta water!
    That starchy water is your best friend. It helps the cottage cheese and mozzarella melt into a smooth, glossy sauce. Start with a couple tablespoons, then add more if needed.
  • Use warm ingredients when possible.
    Pull your cottage cheese out of the fridge while the pasta cooks. Cold cheese takes longer to blend and can create lumps.
  • Go for full fat, if you can.
    While this recipe works with 2% or even low fat, full-fat cottage cheese makes the sauce extra creamy. Looking for a low-fat version? It still works, just stir a little longer and add extra pasta water for smoothness.
  • Try blending the cottage cheese.
    Want that ultra-smooth sauce like you see in our cottage cheese chocolate mousse? Toss the cottage cheese in a blender before adding it to the pan. It mimics the texture of ricotta!
  • Taste and adjust at the end.
    A pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten everything. Don’t be afraid to tweak the flavor to your liking.

What to Avoid for Best Results

  • Overcooking the spinach.
    Spinach cooks fast, like, really fast. Sauté just until wilted. Any longer and it starts to lose color and flavor.
  • Letting the cheese clump.
    Cottage cheese needs gentle heat. If your pan’s too hot, it might curdle instead of melting into a sauce. Keep the heat low once you add it.
  • Skipping the mozzarella.
    Cottage cheese brings the creaminess, but mozzarella adds the gooey, stretchy texture that makes this feel like comfort food. Don’t leave it out unless you’re going dairy-light.
  • Forgetting your pasta water backup.
    Pasta thickens as it sits. If you’re reheating, add a splash of water to revive that velvety texture.

Still nervous? Don’t be! This dish is way more forgiving than you’d think. Just like our cottage cheese omelette, it comes together easily and impresses every time.

Topping Ideas

What takes a great spinach cottage cheese pasta to the next level? Toppings! They add contrast, texture, and that little something special, even with the simplest ingredients.

Here are some tasty ideas to dress up your bowl of creamy spinach cottage cheese pasta:

  • Grated Parmesan Cheese
    A classic! It adds salty, nutty depth and melts beautifully into the sauce. Sprinkle it fresh for a restaurant-style finish.
  • Cracked Black Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes
    Perfect for a kick of heat or a punch of flavor. Just a few flakes can balance the richness of your cottage cheese pasta base.
  • Toasted Pine Nuts or Walnuts
    Add crunch and warmth, especially tasty if you’re making this pasta with spinach and cottage cheese for guests or a special dinner.
  • Lemon Zest or Juice
    A bright pop of citrus really lifts the whole dish, especially in high-protein recipes like this spinach cottage cheese pasta.
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley
    A sprinkle of herbs gives it color and freshness. You’ll be surprised how much it elevates a simple vegetarian spinach pasta like this.
  • Sautéed Mushrooms or Cherry Tomatoes
    These are especially great if you’re using this creamy spinach cottage cheese pasta for meal prep. Add them right before serving for max flavor and texture.

Bonus tip: Pair it with a side like our cottage cheese in mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal, perfect for fans of hearty, protein-packed dishes like this one.

You can also mix and match toppings each time you make this spinach cottage cheese pasta, which is why it never gets boring. It’s one of those flexible, no-fail meals that you’ll crave again and again.

How to Store and Reheat

The best part about spinach cottage cheese pasta? It stores like a dream and reheats even creamier than before. It’s ideal for busy weekdays, last-minute dinners, or sneaky late-night bites.

Here’s how to keep your leftover spinach cottage cheese pasta fresh and flavorful:

How to Store It

  • Let it cool to room temp before storing, this helps avoid excess moisture (which can mess with the texture).
  • Transfer your spinach cottage cheese pasta to an airtight container.
  • Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. This high-protein pasta holds up beautifully, just like our cottage cheese chicken salad does for lunch meal prep.
  • Want to freeze it? You can! Portion the spinach cottage cheese pasta into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to reheat, just thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen.

How to Reheat It

  • Microwave (Quick Option):
    Place your spinach cottage cheese pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water or milk, then cover loosely. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until creamy and hot.
  • Stovetop (Best Texture):
    Toss the cold spinach cottage cheese pasta in a pan over low heat with a few tablespoons of water. Stir gently until the sauce loosens up and the cheese melts back into a silky texture.
  • Avoid overheating — especially in the microwave. Cottage cheese is protein-rich and can turn grainy if cooked too long.

Want to refresh leftovers? Stir in a little shredded mozzarella, or add chopped fresh spinach to bring your spinach cottage cheese pasta back to life. Top with parmesan, red pepper flakes, or a dollop of your favorite cottage cheese Caesar dressing for extra zip.

This dish reheats so well, it’s honestly worth making a double batch. You’ll be glad to have extra spinach cottage cheese pasta ready to go when life gets busy (or when cravings strike at midnight).

Other Cottage Cheese Recipes You May Like

If this creamy spinach cottage cheese pasta won your heart, you’re in for a treat, there’s a whole world of high-protein, wholesome cottage cheese recipes waiting for you!

Here are a few of our favorites that bring the same cozy, satisfying vibes:

For Breakfast or Brunch:

For Light & Fresh Meals:

For Cozy Comfort:

Whether you’re after savory, sweet, or something that blurs the line, these recipes will show you just how versatile cottage cheese can be. And just like your new favorite spinach cottage cheese pasta, they’re packed with protein, flavor, and feel-good satisfaction.

FAQ : spinach cottage cheese pasta

Will cottage cheese melt in pasta?

Yes, absolutely! When stirred into warm pasta with a splash of pasta water, cottage cheese softens into a creamy sauce. In this spinach cottage cheese pasta, it melts beautifully, especially when paired with mozzarella, creating that irresistible, velvety texture.

Does spinach go with cottage cheese?

It really does! Spinach adds freshness and subtle flavor, while cottage cheese brings creaminess and protein. Together in this creamy spinach cottage cheese pasta, they strike the perfect balance between light and hearty.

Do spinach and pasta go together?

Totally, spinach is one of the best greens to pair with pasta. It wilts quickly and blends right into the sauce, adding both nutrition and color. In this spinach cottage cheese pasta, it adds just the right amount of green goodness without overpowering the dish.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta in pasta?

Yes, and that’s exactly what makes this pasta with spinach and cottage cheese such a winner. Cottage cheese has a lighter texture and slightly tangier taste than ricotta, which makes the sauce in this recipe feel fresh, not heavy.

There’s a reason this spinach cottage cheese pasta is quickly becoming a weeknight favorite — it’s creamy, comforting, and packed with protein, all without the heaviness of traditional cream-based sauces. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something easy and satisfying, this one checks every box.

Try it once, and you’ll be coming back to this spinach cottage cheese pasta recipe again and again. Don’t forget to pin it, share it, and let us know how it turned out!

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