This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-easy to make! It uses cottage cheese for a healthier twist on the classic alfredo sauce.
You won’t believe how quickly this meal comes together—you just blend, heat, and mix with your favorite pasta. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re feeling lazy! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used fettuccine for that traditional feel, but you can swap in any pasta you love—penne, spaghetti, or even whole wheat pasta work great.
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese creates a smooth sauce. If you prefer, Greek yogurt can be a creamy, tangy substitute, but start with a little less since it’s thicker.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth. Pecorino Romano is a tasty alternative if you’re looking for a sharper flavor. Nutritional yeast is an excellent dairy-free option!
Milk: For a lower-fat option, you can use almond or soy milk. Just keep in mind these might alter the flavor slightly.
How Do I Get a Creamy Sauce Without Heavy Cream?
The key here is blending cottage cheese until it’s silky smooth. This not only adds creaminess but also protein. If you find it’s still a bit chunky, blend it a bit longer or add a splash of milk to help smooth it out.
- Make sure not to overheat the sauce after blending—just warm it up gently to prevent it from curdling.
- The sautéed garlic in butter adds a crucial flavor layer. Don’t skip this step, as it brings out a delicious aroma!
- If the sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water in small amounts to adjust the consistency. The starchy water helps blend everything nicely.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a deliciously creamy, lighter Alfredo pasta that everyone will love!
Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta (or pasta of choice)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking garlic)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll need around 10 minutes to cook the pasta, and about 15-20 minutes to make the sauce. A quick and satisfying meal for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta, but save about 1/2 cup of that pasta water for later use.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but be careful not to let it turn brown.
3. Blend the Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg (if you’re using it). Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy—this is the base of your delicious Alfredo sauce!
4. Heat the Sauce:
Pour the blended mixture into the skillet with the garlic. Gently heat it over medium-low, stirring frequently. You’ll want to warm it until it has thickened slightly, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now it’s time to mix things up! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with your creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add in your reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s the consistency you like.
6. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed. It’s all about making it perfect for your palate!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Dig in and enjoy this lighter twist on a classic dish!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, feel free to use any pasta you prefer. Penne, spaghetti, or even whole wheat options will all work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta type.
Can I Substitute the Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can! If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt is a great alternative, providing creaminess with a tangy flavor. Just start with a bit less since it’s thicker and blend it until smooth.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce, as it can thicken in the fridge.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! For a vegan version, use plant-based pasta (check the ingredients) and swap the cottage cheese for blended tofu or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for that cheesy flavor!