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Tuna Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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