This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting! It mixes tender pasta with a rich Alfredo sauce and lots of cottage cheese for extra creaminess.
This dish is perfect for a cozy night in. I love how it makes my kitchen smell heavenly while it bakes. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy a cheesy pasta bake? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Penne is a great choice for this dish as it holds onto the sauce well. If you don’t have penne, feel free to use any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells for a fun twist!
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps in sautéing. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, vegetable oil works too. Just avoid strong oils like extra virgin for this dish since it may alter the taste.
Cottage Cheese: Essential for creaminess, low-fat cottage cheese keeps this bake lighter. If you’re not a cottage cheese fan, ricotta is a fine substitute, giving a similar texture and richness.
Alfredo Sauce: You can buy this at the store for convenience, but making your own is fun! Blend butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan for a homemade version. If you’re vegan, try a cashew cream sauce, which is creamy and delicious.
Mushrooms: Optional, but they add great flavor. For a hearty alternative, you could use spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers if you’re into veggies!
How Do You Keep Cheese From Getting Tough in the Oven?
One common issue is cheese becoming rubbery or tough. Here are a few tips to keep it nice and stretchy:
- Use a mix of cheeses. Adding mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for flavor gives balance.
- Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on it. Take it out as soon as the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let it rest! After baking, letting the dish sit for 5 minutes helps the cheese set, making it easier to serve.
Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or other short pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (optional)
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 ½ cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty pasta bake takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes to bake. So in about 45-50 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy meal ready to enjoy with family or friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This will make serving and clean-up easier!
2. Cook the Pasta:
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, making sure to watch for that perfect ‘al dente’ texture. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until it’s fragrant but not browned—nobody wants burnt garlic!
4. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’re using mushrooms and/or shredded chicken, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 minutes, until they’re tender and their moisture has cooked off. Then, stir in the cooked chicken just to warm it up a bit.
5. Combine the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the cooked pasta, the sautéed garlic (and the mushrooms and chicken if you chose to use them), cottage cheese, Alfredo sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s all coated nicely.
6. Assemble the Bake:
Transfer your pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top it with the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to create that irresistible cheesy crust.
7. Bake It Up:
Bake the dish in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye out until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a bit of golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Let It Rest & Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, allow the pasta bake to sit for about 5 minutes before digging in. This helps everything set a little. To finish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake! It’s comfort food at its finest!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute gluten-free penne or any other gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as gluten-free pasta can cook faster than regular pasta.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Easy! Just omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also add more mushrooms for a meatier texture, or even some chickpeas for added protein!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes! This pasta bake freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating—just pop it back in the oven or microwave until heated through.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This pasta bake is a hearty meal on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread for a full Italian-inspired dinner experience. Enjoy!