Name: Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 ounces fusilli pasta (or pasta of choice); 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 cup whole-milk cottage cheese; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons butter (melted); ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper; Chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s comforting, quick, and just a bit out of the ordinary, Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet. This recipe completely transforms humble cottage cheese into a luscious, silky sauce that hugs every twirl of pasta, while the familiar tang of marinara and an extra punch from Parmesan create flavors that pop in every bite. With just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, you’ll have a bowlful of creamy, cheesy, tomatoey bliss—perfect for weeknights or any moment you need a bowl of pasta happiness.

Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta is how it brings together a few simple ingredients to create something restaurant-worthy. Each component brings a special note, from the chew of fusilli to the richness of butter, making this dish sing with flavor and texture.

Fusilli pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta clings to the sauce, but any pasta you love will work well here.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade marinara—this is the tomatoey heart of the dish.
Whole-milk cottage cheese: The secret superstar! It becomes creamy and rich after blending, so opt for whole-milk if you can.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a savory boost and melts seamlessly into the sauce, so always grate fresh if possible.
Butter (melted): Adds silkiness and rounds out the flavors for a lush finish.
Crushed red pepper: Just a hint adds subtle heat and extra dimension—adjust to your spice preference.
Chopped parsley (for serving): A fresh, green garnish that lifts and brightens the finished plate.

How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your fusilli (or any pasta you like) and cook until just al dente, according to the package instructions. Before draining, scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water—you’ll need it for the sauce! Drain the pasta and return it to the pot, keeping it covered so it stays warm and ready.

Step 2: Blend the Creamy Sauce

This is where magic happens! Into a high-speed blender, combine the marinara sauce, whole-milk cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, melted butter, crushed red pepper, and a generous splash (about a cup) of your reserved pasta water. Blend everything until it turns smooth and gloriously creamy, about one to two minutes. It’ll look almost like a pink, velvety Alfredo—and taste even better.

Step 3: Toss Together and Heat

Pour your newly blended creamy cottage cheese tomato sauce all over the warm pasta. Use tongs or a spoon to toss everything together, making sure every curl of fusilli gets a decadent coating. Turn the heat to low, if needed, to gently warm everything through. Serve right away while it’s at peak creaminess, and let everyone help themselves to extra red pepper flakes and that bright scatter of fresh parsley.

How to Serve Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta

Garnishes

The finishing touches really make Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta feel like something special. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a dusting of extra crushed red pepper for heat, and a generous handful of chopped parsley provide brightness, heat, and color—all simple, but so impactful.

Side Dishes

This pasta is a showstopper all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try serving it with a crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette, garlicky roasted broccoli, or warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. You can even add a simple roasted chicken breast for a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta in shallow bowls with a swirl of olive oil and a big spoonful of extra cottage cheese on top. For a dinner party, try piling it into a big platter, topped with parsley and Parmesan, and let guests serve themselves family-style—it always looks gorgeous and welcoming.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the pasta cool, then pack it into airtight containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days, making for a lovely lunch or speedy dinner the next day. Just be sure to stir well when reheating, as the sauce may thicken as it chills.

Freezing

While pasta dishes with dairy sauces can be tricky to freeze (the texture may change a bit), you absolutely can freeze Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta in a pinch. For the best results, let it cool completely, then freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating, and give it a good stir to bring everything back together.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Warm gently, stirring often, until the pasta is hot and creamy again. The microwave works too—just be sure to pause to stir once or twice for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fusilli is fantastic at grabbing onto the sauce, any pasta shape works here—penne, rotini, spaghetti, or whatever you have on hand will all be delicious with this creamy cottage cheese tomato pasta.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

With a few swaps, you could make a vegan version. Use your favorite plant-based cottage cheese, a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, vegan butter, and a vegan marinara. The result will have a similar creamy texture and plenty of flavor.

How can I make it spicier?

For extra kick, simply increase the amount of crushed red pepper in the sauce or finish your bowl with a few extra pinches on top. You could also stir in a touch of chili oil or toss in sliced fresh chili peppers for more bold heat.

Does the cottage cheese taste stand out?

Not at all! Blending the cottage cheese transforms it into a creamy base that takes on the rich tomato and Parmesan flavors—the tanginess mellows out, and you’re left with a silky, cheesy sauce with no curds or cottage cheese flavor in sight.

Can I add vegetables or protein to this dish?

Definitely—stir in sautéed spinach, roasted zucchini, or blistered cherry tomatoes for extra veggies, or top with grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta is deliciously customizable!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dive into a big bowl of this Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta! It’s comforting, surprisingly rich, and full of feel-good flavor—so grab your ingredients and treat yourself to a weeknight pasta that’s just a little extraordinary. Don’t forget to share your creations and invite friends and family to the table—it’s a dish made for sharing good times!

Creamy Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta. A rich and velvety sauce coats every strand of pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

16 ounces fusilli pasta (or pasta of choice)

Sauce:

1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup whole-milk cottage cheese
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

For Serving:

Chopped parsley

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, drain and return the pasta to the pot, covered.
Prepare the Sauce: Place marinara sauce, cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, melted butter, crushed red pepper, and pasta water in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, 1-2 minutes.
Combine and Serve: Transfer the sauce on top of the cooked pasta and toss until combined and heated through. Serve immediately with more red pepper flakes and chopped parsley, if desired.