Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a rich, creamy pasta sauce that’s also lighter and packed with protein, this Cottage Cheese Alfredo is about to become your new favorite. With a velvety-smooth texture and a cheesy, savory flavor, it’s perfect for family dinners, date nights at home, or even meal prep for a busy week. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Alfredo
- High in protein thanks to the wholesome cottage cheese base.
- Quick and easy – ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish!
- Creamy and luxurious without the heaviness of traditional Alfredo.
- Perfect for customizing with your favorite pasta and add-ins.
- Great for meal prep, staying fresh in the fridge for days.
Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Alfredo
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pound (450g) fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish
How to Make Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine or preferred pasta and cook according to package directions (about 10–12 minutes for fettuccine). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Blend the Alfredo Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy (about 1 minute). For a silkier sauce, scrape down the sides and blend again.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Combine Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the blended cottage cheese Alfredo sauce and stir gently. Heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly, until warmed through and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Toss & Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing with tongs to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes for Perfect Cottage Cheese Alfredo
- For the creamiest texture, use full-fat cottage cheese and blend thoroughly.
- This sauce reheats best over gentle, low heat—avoid boiling to keep it silky.
- For a boost of flavor, try adding a pinch of Italian seasoning or a splash of pasta cooking water.
Variations: Customize Your Cottage Cheese Alfredo
- Spinach Alfredo: Stir in a handful of baby spinach during the last minute of heating for extra greens.
- Chicken Alfredo: Top with grilled or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal.
- Vegan Alfredo: Use dairy-free cottage cheese and plant-based Parmesan for a vegan-friendly option.
Required Equipment for Cottage Cheese Alfredo
- Blender or food processor
- Large skillet
- Pasta pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
Storage Instructions: Keeping Cottage Cheese Alfredo Fresh
Store leftover Cottage Cheese Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Do not freeze as the texture can become grainy when thawed.
Serving Recommendations for Cottage Cheese Alfredo
- Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.
- Top with grilled veggies like asparagus or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
Pro Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese Alfredo
- Blend the sauce until completely smooth for a true Alfredo experience – a high-powered blender makes all the difference (learn more).
- Don’t skip the pasta water – it helps the sauce cling to the noodles and keeps things silky.
- Warm the cottage cheese beforehand to avoid a cold sauce shock when blending.
FAQ: Cottage Cheese Alfredo
- Can I use low-fat cottage cheese? Yes, but the sauce may be a bit less creamy; full-fat gives the silkiest results.
- Is Cottage Cheese Alfredo gluten-free? The sauce is gluten-free, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Can I make Cottage Cheese Alfredo ahead of time? Absolutely! Store in the fridge and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if needed.
There you have it! A delicious, healthy take on Alfredo that’s just as cozy and comforting as the classic. Enjoy your creamy pasta!
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
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1Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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2In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, milk, and grated Parmesan. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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3In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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4Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the skillet. Stir in salt and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until heated through and slightly thickened.
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5Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined and hot.
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6Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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