Tuna Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- 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.
- Add Tuna and Pasta: Gently fold the drained tuna and cooked pasta into the cheese mixture until everything is well incorporated.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta mixture to create a crispy crust.
- 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.
- 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