This creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta is a tasty twist on a classic dish. It uses cottage cheese for a lighter sauce that’s still rich and satisfying!
I love how quick it is to whip up after a long day. Plus, who knew cottage cheese could be so delicious? Just boil the pasta, mix in the sauce, and you’re good to go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine Pasta: This wide pasta works great for capturing the creamy sauce. If you prefer a different shape, tagliatelle or spaghetti is also tasty. Gluten-free pasta is an option if needed!
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese gives a creamier texture. For a change, you could swap it for ricotta or even Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. Just remember, this may slightly change the sauce’s consistency!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute but will add a stronger taste. Nutritional yeast is great for a dairy-free option!
Milk: Whole or 2% milk keeps the sauce creamy but you can use almond milk or oat milk for a lighter version. The taste may differ but still works nicely in sauces!
How Do I Get the Sauce to Be Creamy and Not Lumpy?
The key step is blending the cottage cheese until it’s completely smooth! A blender or food processor does the trick here. It’ll give you that rich texture without lumps that you want in an Alfredo sauce.
- Start by blending the cottage cheese, Parmesan, and milk for about 30-45 seconds until smooth.
- If your sauce gets too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to thin it out while mixing.
Don’t be in a rush with the onion; take time to let it softly melt into the sauce. This ensures maximum flavor and creaminess for your dish!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a slight kick)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 slices garlic bread or toasted bread, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special!
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, add the fettuccine and cook it according to the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes—until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t forget to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later!
2. Blend the Sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, grab your blender or food processor. Combine the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and milk in it. Blend everything until it’s nice and smooth and creamy—this should take about 30-45 seconds. Set your creamy mixture aside for now.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn; you just want it lightly cooked!
4. Combine the Sauce:
Now reduce the heat to low. Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir gently to combine the flavors. If you find that your sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the consistency you prefer.
5. Season the Sauce:
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. Stir well and let the sauce heat through for about 2-3 minutes, just until hot but not boiling.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Yum!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pasta immediately, topped with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. For a delicious accompaniment, enjoy with slices of garlic bread or toasted bread on the side.
Enjoy this lighter, creamy pasta that’s packed with delicious flavor and a smooth texture thanks to the cottage cheese Alfredo sauce! Perfect for wowing your family or friends!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While fettuccine works great, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like spaghetti, penne, or even whole wheat pasta. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for your chosen type.
What if I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
No worries! If you’re out of Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor. Nutritional yeast is a good non-dairy option that still offers a cheesy taste without the calories.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I Add Vegetables or Protein?
Definitely! Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrients. You can also throw in cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a more filling meal!