This creamy cottage cheese pasta is a quick and tasty meal! With silky cottage cheese mixed into perfectly cooked pasta, it creates a deliciously rich sauce.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is great for holding onto the sauce, but feel free to swap it with any short pasta like penne or fusilli. If you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free pasta options available in stores!
Cottage Cheese: Opt for small curd cottage cheese for a smoother texture. You could also use ricotta or even Greek yogurt for a tangy kick if you prefer. However, the cottage cheese gives a nice creaminess that’s hard to beat!
Tomato: A small fresh tomato adds freshness, but don’t hesitate to use sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor. For a heartier option, try adding spinach or kale instead; they’ll cook nicely with the heat.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, use a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Garlic: If you’re not a big garlic fan, you can skip it or use garlic powder instead. Fresh garlic adds a lovely aroma and flavor, but I understand it’s not for everyone!
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta just right is key to a delicious dish. Here’s how you can nail it:
- Always boil water first! This helps pasta cook evenly. Add a generous amount of salt for flavor.
- Follow the package instructions for cooking times, aiming for ‘al dente,’ which means it should still have a bit of bite.
- Before draining, always reserve some pasta water. This starchy water can be a secret ingredient for adjusting your sauce’s consistency.
With these tips, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked pasta every time, making your creamy cottage cheese sauce all the more enjoyable!
How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 225g) rotini pasta (or your preferred short pasta)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably small curd)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small tomato, finely diced
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 2 tbsp)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly cracked, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red chili flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is important because it flavors the pasta. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Remember to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining it—that’ll help with the sauce later!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat your olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but be careful not to let it brown, as that can change the flavor.
3. Add the Tomato:
Next, toss in the finely diced tomato. Cook it in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for it to soften up a bit, adding color and freshness to your dish.
4. Mix in the Cottage Cheese:
Now, stir in the cottage cheese and the grated Parmesan. Mix gently until everything is well combined. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired creaminess.
5. Combine with Pasta:
Once your pasta is drained, add it directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together so that all the pasta is coated with that creamy goodness.
6. Season the Dish:
Sprinkle in salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If you like a bit of spice, now’s the time to add those chili flakes!
7. Finishing Touch:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in your fresh chopped basil. This adds a burst of flavor that brightens the whole dish.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Your creamy cottage cheese pasta is ready to serve! Dish it out onto plates and feel free to add extra Parmesan or basil on top if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great, you can substitute it with any short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different types may require different cooking durations.
How Can I Make This Pasta Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the cottage cheese with a vegan alternative like cashew cream or silken tofu blended until smooth. You can also replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a store-bought vegan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add any veggies you like. Spinach, kale, or sautéed bell peppers make excellent additions. Just toss them into the skillet after the garlic and sauté until tender before following the rest of the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
