This Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta is a delightful dish that’s easy to whip up! It features creamy cottage cheese mixed with juicy tomatoes and pasta, creating a tasty, comforting meal.
You won’t believe how creamy this pasta gets! I love to sprinkle a bit of basil on top for that extra zing. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, and it tastes great! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni or penne work great here, but you can swap in any pasta you like. Gluten-free pasta is also a fantastic option if you’re avoiding gluten. Just keep an eye on the cooking times!
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese gives a nice creamy texture. If you don’t have it, ricotta cheese can substitute well for a similar creamy consistency. Greek yogurt can also be used for a tangy twist.
Cherry Tomatoes: If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, diced regular tomatoes also work fine. For extra flavor, you can use canned tomatoes; just drain some of the juice before adding them to your dish.
Basil: Fresh basil is perfect for this recipe, but if you can’t find any, dried basil can do in a pinch—just use less since dried herbs are stronger. You could also try fresh spinach for a different flavor!
How Do I Make the Pasta Creamy Without Overcooking It?
The key to achieving a creamy pasta without overcooking lies in the timing and temperature. Here’s how to do it:
- Start cooking your pasta in salted water—this adds essential flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; it helps adjust the sauce consistency.
- When adding cottage cheese and Parmesan, lower the heat to prevent the cheese from cooking too much.
- Combine everything off the heat to create a velvety sauce with the heat from the pasta.
These steps help keep the pasta creamy without adding too much heat that could change the cheese texture. Enjoy your cooking!
Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (e.g., rigatoni or penne)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably small curd)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
Time Estimate
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. In no time, you’ll have a creamy and delicious pasta dish ready to serve!
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Remember to reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water just before you drain the pasta.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
3. Add the Tomatoes:
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the tomatoes to soften and start breaking down into a sauce.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cottage cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until you have a creamy sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, you can gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the delicious sauce.
6. Season to Taste:
Season the pasta with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if you’re using them. Adjust the flavors according to your preference.
7. Add Fresh Basil:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the sliced fresh basil over the pasta. Give it a gentle toss to mix in the basil flavors.
8. Serve:
Serve the pasta immediately and top with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta!
This dish is quick, easy, and tastes fantastic—perfect for busy weekdays!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you don’t have cottage cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta for a similarly creamy texture. Cream cheese can also work, but it will add a different flavor. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to thin it out a bit with pasta water for the right consistency.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
For a healthier twist, you can use whole grain or chickpea pasta instead of regular pasta for added fiber. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or opt for low-fat cottage cheese to cut down on calories.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
This dish is already vegetarian-friendly as it doesn’t contain any meat. It can easily be made vegan by using plant-based cottage cheese and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, while still getting that creamy texture.
What Should I Serve with This Pasta?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, you could serve it alongside garlic bread or a light tomato soup.
