This Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta is a quick and tasty meal you can whip up in no time! With creamy cottage cheese and juicy tomatoes, it’s both comforting and flavorful.
I love how the cottage cheese gives the dish a lovely creaminess. Plus, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something good and easy! 🍝
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love rigatoni for this dish because its ridges hold the sauce nicely. But you can use any pasta you have on hand—penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work perfectly!
Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese makes the sauce creamy. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based ricotta or silken tofu as an alternative for a similar texture.
Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are juicy and sweet, but you can also use diced regular tomatoes or even canned tomatoes if that’s what you have. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Zucchini: This adds a nice veggie touch. You can skip it or replace it with finely diced bell peppers or spinach for some color and nutrition.
Basil: Fresh basil gives a fresh flavor burst. If you don’t have fresh, dried basil works in a pinch, but use much less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Create a Creamy Sauce with Cottage Cheese?
Making the sauce creamy with cottage cheese is super easy! The key is to combine it well with your cooked vegetables and some pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Start with sautéing your garlic and veggies in olive oil to build flavor.
- Add the cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese and stir until fully combined. This may take a minute or two.
- If the sauce seems thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until it reaches the creaminess you want.
- Mix the pasta in at the end, ensuring every piece is clothed in that delicious sauce!
Delicious Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Base:
- 12 oz rigatoni or your favorite pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Veggies:
- 1 zucchini, finely diced (optional)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Cheesy Creaminess:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Fresh Touch:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Time Needed:
This delicious Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and veggies, and another 10 minutes mixing everything together and serving. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta, but don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of that pasta water for later!
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 and sauté for about 1 minute or until it’s fragrant but not browned—nobody likes burnt garlic!
3. Add the Veggies:
If you’re using zucchini, add it to the skillet now. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until it starts to get a bit tender. Then, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 4-5 minutes. You’ll want them to soften and burst a bit. Season everything with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you fancy a bit of spice.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Stir in both the cottage cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing everything well. This will create a creamy sauce. If it seems too thick, gradually add that reserved pasta water until it reaches the preferred consistency.
5. Combine and Serve:
Now, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce until every piece of pasta is well coated and heated through. Off the heat, stir in most of the fresh basil, saving a bit for garnish.
6. Plate and Garnish:
Serve your delicious pasta in bowls and sprinkle with any extra Parmesan cheese and a few leaves of fresh basil on top. Enjoy your creamy, tangy, and utterly delightful Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works great, you can substitute with any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Swap the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative like plant-based ricotta or silken tofu for a similar creamy texture. Just ensure you’re using a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor if desired.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to revive the creaminess.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring all vegetables are tender before mixing them with the sauce.