Tuna Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Tuna Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining creamy cottage cheese with savory tuna and melted cheddar, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Fold the drained tuna and cooked pasta into the cheese mixture, then transfer everything into a greased baking dish.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbly.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped spinach or steamed broccoli to the mixture before baking.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred to suit dietary needs.
• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a different taste.
• To reduce salt, use low-sodium tuna and season carefully.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best texture, avoid overcooking when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

While fresh tuna can be used, canned tuna is convenient and already cooked, making this recipe quicker and simpler. If using fresh tuna, cook it first, then flake before adding.

Is cottage cheese necessary in this recipe?

Cottage cheese adds creaminess and moisture, helping bind the ingredients together. You can substitute with ricotta or Greek yogurt, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly.

Tuna Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 134 reviews

A comforting and protein-packed Tuna Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake combining creamy cottage cheese, savory tuna, and cheddar cheese with rotini pasta, baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Pasta and Tuna

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 2 cans tuna, drained

Cheese Mixture

• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping and Garnish

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly blended.
4. Add Tuna and Pasta: Gently fold the drained tuna and cooked pasta into the cheese mixture until everything is well incorporated.
5. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Add Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta mixture to create a crispy crust.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot for a delicious, hearty meal.

Notes

• Use low-fat or regular cottage cheese according to your preference.
• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of dried herbs such as oregano or thyme to the cheese mixture.
• You can substitute rotini pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
• To make the topping extra crunchy, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: tuna pasta bake, cottage cheese pasta, baked tuna casserole, creamy tuna bake, easy family dinner, comfort food pasta