This Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta is a quick, tasty dish that’s perfect for busy days. Creamy cottage cheese mixes with fresh tomatoes for a flavorful meal!
What I love most is how easy it is to whip up! Just cook the pasta, mix in the cheese and tomatoes, and you’ve got a yummy dinner ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni works beautifully in this dish for its shape that holds sauce well. However, you can use any pasta you like—penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to cook it al dente!
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese is my recommendation for a smooth texture. If you can’t find it, you could substitute with ricotta, which has a creamier consistency but retains the same flavor profile.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a fresh burst of flavor. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, swap with regular diced tomatoes. You could even use canned tomatoes in a pinch—just drain them well!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds saltiness and depth. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can work as a substitute, providing a cheesy flavor without the cheese.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Creamy Pasta?
The secret to a nice creamy texture lies in how you incorporate the cottage cheese with the pasta. Here’s what to do:
- After adding the cooked pasta to the skillet, toss everything together well. This helps the cottage cheese melt smoothly into the sauce.
- If needed, use the reserved pasta water slowly. It helps loosen the sauce and creates that creamy consistency without making it too watery.
- Always taste! Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your preference. This personal touch will elevate your dish.
Remember, the warmth helps the cheese blend beautifully, giving you a comforting and delicious result. Enjoy cooking!
Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rigatoni or your favorite pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably small curd)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus whole leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta comes together in about 20 minutes! It’s quick to prepare and will make your weeknight dinner a breeze. Get ready for a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rigatoni (or preferred pasta) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta but don’t forget to save about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water for later. Set the drained pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, or until it’s fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook them for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to soften and release their juicy goodness into the pan.
4. Add Cottage Cheese:
Once the tomatoes are ready, lower the heat a bit and stir in the cottage cheese. Mix everything together well and let it warm through for about 2 minutes. This will create a creamy base for your pasta.
5. Combine Pasta with Sauce:
Now it’s time to add the cooked pasta to the skillet! Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the tomato and cottage cheese mixture. If it seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you get the creamy consistency you desire.
6. Finish with Cheese and Basil:
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous! Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and whole basil leaves for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy every bite!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is a great choice for its shape, you can swap it for any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for the specific pasta you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Cottage Cheese?
If you prefer not to use cottage cheese, ricotta is a fantastic alternative that will provide similar creaminess. For a dairy-free option, try silken tofu blended until smooth, or a vegan cream cheese for that creamy texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the creaminess, or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
