This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta is a creamy and comforting dish that’s easy to whip up. With smooth cottage cheese mixed into a cheesy sauce, it’s a taste you’ll love!
No more guilt about heavy sauces! I enjoy adding my favorite veggies to this pasta for extra color and crunch. Plus, it’s quick to make—perfect for busy weeknights! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine and linguine work great for this dish because they hold the creamy sauce well. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
Cottage Cheese: I always prefer smooth cottage cheese for a creamier texture. If you don’t have any, ricotta cheese could be a nice substitute, adding a different flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely salty bite. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) could work well, giving you that cheesy flavor.
Heavy Cream or Milk: Using heavy cream makes the sauce rich and satisfying, but you can stick with whole milk for a lighter dish. Almond or oat milk is great for a dairy-free option!
How Can I Achieve a Creamy Sauce with Cottage Cheese?
For a silky Alfredo sauce, the trick is to blend the cottage cheese before adding it to the skillet. This way, you avoid any graininess from the cheese. Here’s how:
- Place the cottage cheese in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Add it to the skillet along with heavy cream and Parmesan; this ensures a creamy consistency when heated.
- If the sauce thickens too much while cooking, a little pasta water helps loosen it up without losing flavor.
Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably smooth)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (for a lighter option)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta can be prepared in about 20 minutes. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a creamy and satisfying dish on the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but careful not to let it brown; we just want to release that lovely garlic flavor into the butter!
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat and carefully stir in the cottage cheese, heavy cream (or milk), and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until everything is well blended and the cheeses melt into a creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the pasta water—you want it nice and silky!
4. Season The Sauce:
Taste your sauce, and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and if you’d like, a pinch of nutmeg for a little extra flavor. Mix everything well. Yum!
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce and gently toss it to coat all the noodles evenly in that velvety creamy goodness!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer your pasta onto plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of black pepper for a touch of elegance. Now it’s ready to enjoy!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta immediately and dig in! It’s like a warm hug on your plate.
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese works just as well in this recipe. It will still provide a creamy texture, although the flavor may be a bit different. Just make sure it’s smooth for the best result.
How Can I Add More Flavor to the Sauce?
For an extra kick, consider adding herbs like Italian seasoning, basil, or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also sauté some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic for additional depth of flavor!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help return the sauce to its original creaminess.
Is This Recipe Vegetarian-Friendly?
Yes! This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta is vegetarian. Make sure your Parmesan is a vegetarian-friendly brand if you’re looking to keep it strictly vegetarian.
