Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta is a yummy and quick meal! It features creamy cottage cheese mixed with juicy tomatoes and your favorite pasta. It’s simple and satisfying!
I love how this dish feels light yet filling. Plus, it’s super easy to make—just cook the pasta, mix in the goodness, and voila! Perfect for busy days! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using rigatoni for its ability to hold sauce perfectly. If you’re gluten-sensitive, try gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Cottage Cheese: This is the star! It adds creaminess without too many calories. You can swap it with ricotta for a richer texture or use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Cherry Tomatoes: Roasting them really enhances their sweetness. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, diced regular tomatoes work fine, but you may want to sauté them a bit longer.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes amazing. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast will provide a nice cheesy flavor.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta just right is essential for this dish. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Here’s how:
- Start with a large pot of salted water to help flavor the pasta as it cooks.
- Follow the package instructions, but taste a minute or two before it’s done. You want a slight bite that’ll hold up in the sauce.
- Once cooked, drain it but don’t rinse—this keeps the starch that helps the sauce stick.
With these tips, your pasta will perfectly complement the creamy sauce, enhancing the whole meal!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Base:
- 12 oz (340g) rigatoni or penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup cottage cheese
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, sliced
Time Needed:
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10-12 minutes cooking the pasta, and the rest is for roasting the tomatoes and mixing everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your rigatoni or penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which is usually around 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Roasting the Tomatoes:
While the pasta is cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a baking tray and spread the cherry tomatoes on it. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt. Roast the tomatoes in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until they’re softened and slightly blistered. This will bring out their sweetness!
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring often until it’s fragrant but not browned.
4. Mixing the Pasta and Sauce:
Add your cooked pasta to the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Pour in the marinara or tomato sauce, stirring everything together so that the pasta gets nice and coated with the sauce.
5. Combining Everything Together:
Now it’s time to add the stars of the dish! Gently fold in the roasted cherry tomatoes and the cottage cheese. Be careful while stirring, so you don’t break the cottage cheese too much; you want those creamy pockets in your pasta!
6. Final Cooking:
Lower the heat and let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes until it’s heated through. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
7. Topping it Off:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Give it a light stir if you like, or just leave it where it is for a nice presentation. Add fresh sliced basil for a bright touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta is ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately while it’s warm and creamy. Dig in and savor the delicious blend of flavors and textures!
Can I Use Regular Tomatoes Instead of Cherry Tomatoes?
Yes, you can use regular tomatoes! Just chop them into smaller pieces, but note that they may need a bit more cooking time to become soft. It’s best to sauté them in the skillet for a few extra minutes before mixing with the pasta.
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta?
Leftover Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or blended silken tofu. Also, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor!
What Other Herbs Can I Use Besides Basil?
While basil is a classic choice, you can also try using parsley, oregano, or even fresh thyme for a different flavor profile. Experiment with what you have on hand for a unique twist!
