High-Protein Turkey Bolognese Pasta with Cottage Cheese (44g Protein)

If you want a comforting pasta dinner that still fits a high-protein, fat-loss-friendly plan, this Creamy Turkey Bolognese Pasta is exactly that. Lean turkey mince, a rich tomato sauce, and a scoop of cottage cheese stirred in at the end give you a creamy, satisfying bowl without any heavy cream – and without wrecking your macros.

This recipe is ideal for people focused on body recomposition because it delivers a heavy protein load from both the turkey and the cottage cheese, moderate carbs from the pasta, and controlled fat. It comes together in about 30 minutes and reheats well, making it a solid option for meal prep too.

Why This Meal Works for Body Recomposition

Turkey mince keeps this dish lean while still delivering a large dose of complete protein, which supports muscle protein synthesis during a fat loss phase. Cottage cheese, stirred in off the heat, adds even more protein and creates a creamy texture without relying on butter or heavy cream. The pasta rounds it out with easily digestible carbs to fuel training, while garlic, onion, and fresh basil keep the flavor rich without adding meaningful calories.

If you want to understand why protein timing and portion control matter this much, read our evidence-based guide on body recomposition mistakes.

Ingredients You Will Need

• 500-550g tagliatelle (or spaghetti)
• 750g turkey mince (or chicken mince)
• 410g Italian tomato pasta sauce
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 300-320g cottage cheese, divided (250-300g blended into the sauce, remainder reserved for topping)
• A small handful of fresh basil, torn
• Parmesan, grated, to serve
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Bring a large pasta pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until golden, about 3 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 30-40 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the turkey mince, season with salt and pepper, and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until fully browned and all released liquid has evaporated, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce, stir to combine, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove the pan from the heat completely. Stir in 250-300g of the cottage cheese gradually, a spoonful at a time, until smooth and creamy – do not return the pan to the heat, or the cottage cheese will curdle.
6. Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss to combine, using a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
7. Plate the pasta, top with a small scoop of the reserved cottage cheese, grated parmesan, and fresh basil leaves.

How to Store and Reheat Your Meal Prep

Proper Storage

Let the pasta cool before sealing it in containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce mixed through the pasta so it stays moist.

Quick Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed – this protects the cottage cheese sauce from separating. Microwaving works too, but use short 30-second bursts and stir between them.

Best For Fat Loss, Muscle Gain, and Meal Prep

This recipe works for fat loss because it’s high in protein, filling, and easy to portion into consistent servings. For muscle gain, simply increase the pasta portion or add a bit more turkey mince to raise the calorie and protein totals.

Need more meal ideas? Browse our full collection of pasta recipes or our full collection of high-protein recipes for body recomposition, fat loss, and muscle-building meal prep.