Dinner

Cottage Cheese Pasta with Tomato and Basil Recipe

Byrami Hayes February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

Introduction

This creamy cottage cheese pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tangy tomato sauce with smooth cottage cheese, it offers a delightful twist on classic pasta recipes.

A white pan with a gold handle is filled with rigatoni pasta covered in a thick, creamy orange sauce. The rigatoni pieces are short and tube-shaped, well coated in the smooth sauce with some splashes around the rim of the pan. On top, there are small white shavings of cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper, adding texture and contrast. A wooden spoon rests inside the pan, partially submerged in the pasta and sauce. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the colors of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

7 oz pasta (rigatoni or penne)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
1 x 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 cup cottage cheese
Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
Step 2: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in tomato paste and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another minute to develop the flavors.
Step 4: Add canned diced tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Transfer the sauce to an immersion blender. Add the cottage cheese and reserved pasta water, then blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Return the sauce to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss over medium heat for about a minute until the pasta is well coated. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika powder.
Step 7: Serve immediately, topped with grated parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil.

Tips & Variations

Substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a milder, creamier texture.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
Use fresh tomatoes in season for a brighter sauce.
For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil if the sauce has thickened.

How to Serve

A white pan filled with rigatoni pasta covered in a thick, creamy orange sauce, with the sauce slightly splattered on the sides of the pan. The rigatoni pieces are tubular with grooved texture, coated evenly with the sauce. On top, there are small green basil leaves scattered around along with grated white cheese and some black pepper sprinkled over the pasta, adding a contrast in colors. The pan has a gold handle, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth napkin nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works well as they hold the sauce nicely.

Is this dish suitable for a low-fat diet?

Cottage cheese is relatively low in fat compared to other cheeses, making this dish a lighter option, but you can choose low-fat cottage cheese to reduce fat content further.