Get ready to fall in love with a weeknight dinner that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with character—Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta! This inviting twist on classic pasta blends juicy tomatoes, velvety cottage cheese, and fragrant basil into a luscious sauce that clings to every noodle. It’s a satisfying dish that sneaks in extra protein, thrills with contrasting textures, and still comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s secretly good for you—whether you’re cooking for family or indulging solo, this Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta absolutely delivers.

Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

If you’re the type who loves simple ingredients that shine, you’re in for a treat. Every component in this Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta brings its own personality to the plate, from silkiness to a pop of color. Gather these pantry staples and you’re already halfway to dinner bliss.

Short-cut pasta (1 pound): Fusilli or penne are perfect for catching all the creamy sauce in their twists and tubes.

Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A splash for sautéing, lending a fruity richness to your base.
Onion (1, diced): Brings sweetness and depth—make sure to sauté until soft and golden.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just enough to infuse every bite with warmth and aroma. Fresh garlic really wakes up the sauce.
Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Earthy, herbaceous, and just right for a classic Italian note.

Diced tomatoes (14-ounce can): The heart of your sauce! Go for fire-roasted if you want a touch of smokiness.
Cottage cheese (1 cup): The creamy, protein-rich upgrade that gives this dish its magic.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Salty, nutty, and oozy once it melts. Don’t skip the fresh grating—it really makes a difference.

Salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor—be generous with your pasta water, too!
Black pepper: Freshly cracked lifts the sauce with subtle heat and complexity.

How to Make Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and give it a stir so nothing sticks. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, then cook until just al dente as per the package instructions—you want the noodles to keep a little bite. Before draining, scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water and set it aside. This will help you get the perfect silky sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Basil

While the pasta does its thing, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in those diced onions and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they’re soft and golden. Add the minced garlic and dried basil, letting them sizzle for another minute or two—just until the kitchen smells incredibly inviting and the garlic’s fragrant. This aromatic base is the secret to a sauce with real staying power.

Step 3: Blend the Creamy Sauce

Pour the onion and garlic mixture into a high-speed blender or food processor and add the diced tomatoes, cottage cheese, and parmesan cheese. Blitz everything until you have a silky-smooth, blushing pink sauce. Give it a taste and adjust with salt and cracked pepper as needed; that creamy cottage cheese and tomato combo should taste bright, tangy, and satisfyingly rich.

Step 4: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Return the drained pasta to the pot you cooked it in, then pour that freshly blended Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta sauce right over top. Fold everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed. This helps the sauce hug every piece instead of sitting at the bottom. Taste again—add more salt or pepper if you crave it. The result should be creamy, glossy pasta that practically begs for a fork.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Spoon the pasta into your favorite serving bowls, then finish with a shower of chopped fresh basil and extra parmesan if you want to go all out. The pasta is ready to hit the table immediately, full of bright flavors and creamy pockets of goodness. You’ll be dreaming about leftovers for lunch (assuming there are any!).

How to Serve Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta

Garnishes

Garnishing is the cherry on top for Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta. I love scattering finely chopped fresh basil leaves over each serving to add a splash of color and a fresh herbal pop. A little extra grated parmesan makes every bite extra-special, and if you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of olive oil or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper takes each bowl from good to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette—the freshness balances the creamy sauce. Garlic bread is always a winner for bread-dunking fans, and if you’re serving guests, consider a platter of roasted seasonal vegetables. These sides play up the bright, comforting flavors of Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta and round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful with presentation! Serve the pasta in colorful ceramic bowls for a rustic, inviting look. For a dinner party, twirl the pasta into neat nests and top with basil leaves and parmesan curls. Or, try layering the pasta in a deep dish with an extra sprinkle of cheese and a quick broil for a bubbly golden top—like a speedy baked pasta. However you serve it, Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta is always a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta is a lifesaver for quick lunches and lazy dinners. Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to five days. The flavors meld even more over time, making each reheat surprisingly delicious and satisfying.

Freezing

This pasta also freezes like a dream. Simply pack cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, squeeze out as much air as possible, and pop them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, move the container to the fridge overnight to thaw—the velvety sauce holds up beautifully after freezing.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, reheat individual servings in the microwave, stirring halfway through and covering to keep in moisture. Don’t forget an extra sprinkle of parmesan and basil before serving to brighten everything up.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta instead of fusilli or penne?

Absolutely! Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta works with nearly any pasta shape. Short pastas like rigatoni, rotini, or even farfalle are great for catching sauce, but you can also use spaghetti or linguine if that’s what you have on hand. Just follow the same cooking tips for al dente noodles.

Is there a good substitute for cottage cheese if I don’t have any?

If you’re out of cottage cheese, ricotta makes a lovely substitute with a similarly creamy texture, though the tang won’t be exactly the same. Greek yogurt can offer a bit of that tang as well, but go for full-fat for the creamiest result. The heart of Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta is its creaminess, so choose something that will make the sauce thick and smooth.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta to make Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta friendly for everyone. Keep in mind that gluten-free noodles sometimes cook a bit faster, so check for doneness early. The sauce remains just as rich and tasty with the substitution.

Will kids like this dish?

Kids usually adore this pasta because it’s creamy, familiar, and mild, without any overpowering “green bits.” The cottage cheese completely disappears into the sauce, so picky eaters won’t even notice they’re getting extra protein. You can always blend the sauce super smooth for even the smallest skeptics.

Can I add protein like chicken or tofu?

Definitely! Sliced grilled chicken breast or sautéed cubes of tofu make great additions if you want to boost the protein even more. Just stir them into the cooked pasta along with the sauce, or pile them on top when serving. This flexibility makes Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta a fantastic base for all your favorite add-ins.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and a little bit of kitchen magic, Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta hits the mark every time. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both nostalgic and new, and once you taste how creamy and vibrant it is, you’ll be hooked. Go ahead and give it a spin—I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!

Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 23 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and creamy Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta recipe that combines the richness of cottage cheese with the tanginess of tomatoes, creating a flavorful and comforting dish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a pan, sauté onion in olive oil until tender. Add garlic and dried basil. Blend this mixture with diced tomatoes, cottage cheese, and parmesan cheese until smooth.
Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with basil and parmesan.

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding cooked vegetables or protein of your choice.
For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of cream or milk.
Feel free to top with additional herbs like parsley or oregano.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course

Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 400
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg

Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fiber: 4g

Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta, Pasta Recipe, Creamy Tomato Pasta