Hey y'all! If you're craving a velvety, cheesy pasta sauce that feels totally indulgent but is secretly healthy and protein-packed, this Cottage Cheese Alfredo is about to be your new obsession. With simple ingredients and just a few easy steps, you'll have a dreamy pasta dish that's perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or impressing your foodie friends. It's so creamy and flavorful, no one will guess it's made with cottage cheese! Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Cottage Cheese Alfredo
- Guilt-free creaminess: All the luscious texture of classic Alfredo with fewer calories and more protein.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist this cheesy sauce over their favorite pasta.
- Versatile: Easily adapt with add-ins and pairings to suit your taste buds.
- No specialty tools: You just need a blender and a skillet!
Ingredients for Creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for classic flavor)
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
- Chopped parsley or extra Parm, for serving
How to Make Cottage Cheese Alfredo: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, milk, and Parmesan. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy—about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Build the Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour the blended sauce into the skillet, stirring gently.
Step 4: Season & Combine
Season sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes, until warmed through and slightly thickened. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if desired for extra silkiness.
Step 5: Toss & Serve
Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss until well-coated in the cottage cheese Alfredo sauce. Serve immediately, topped with a sprinkle of parsley or extra Parmesan. Enjoy!
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips for Cottage Cheese Alfredo
- You can use small curd or large curd cottage cheese; blending ensures it becomes super smooth.
- For extra protein, use chickpea or lentil-based pasta (more about lentil pasta).
- Add a splash of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness to your liking.
Variations: Make Cottage Cheese Alfredo Your Way
- Spinach & Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté sliced mushrooms and fresh spinach in the skillet before adding the sauce.
- Chicken Alfredo: Stir in cooked chicken breast pieces or rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal.
- Vegan Alfredo: Use plant-based cottage cheese and non-dairy Parmesan, plus olive oil instead of butter (see vegan alfredo ideas here).
Required Equipment for Cottage Cheese Alfredo
- Large pot (for cooking pasta)
- Blender or food processor
- Large nonstick skillet
- Colander
- Mixing spoon
How to Store Cottage Cheese Alfredo (Shelf Life)
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
Serving Recommendations for Cottage Cheese Alfredo
- Toss with roasted broccoli, grilled chicken, or sautéed shrimp for a complete meal.
- Serve with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread to round out dinner.
- Try over zoodles for a lighter, low-carb option (zoodle inspiration here).
Pro Tips for the Creamiest Cottage Cheese Alfredo
- Always blend your cottage cheese until silky-smooth for the best Alfredo texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer, meltier flavor—pre-grated varieties may not melt as well (learn about real Parmesan).
- Don’t overheat—gentle simmering keeps the sauce creamy and prevents curdling.
FAQs About Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce
- Can I make cottage cheese Alfredo sauce ahead of time?
- Yes—blend the sauce up to 2 days in advance; warm gently and whisk before tossing with pasta.
- Will the sauce taste like cottage cheese?
- No! Blending and adding Parmesan creates a classic, cheesy Alfredo flavor without strong cottage cheese notes.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- The sauce is gluten-free—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta to keep the entire dish GF.
Ingredients
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
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1Cook the fettuccine or your pasta of choice according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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2While the pasta cooks, blend the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper in a blender or food processor until completely smooth.
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3In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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4Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
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5Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
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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