This creamy cottage cheese Alfredo sauce is a tasty twist on the classic recipe! It’s made with just cottage cheese, butter, and garlic, giving you a smooth and rich flavor without all the extra calories.
Seriously, who knew something so simple could be so good? I love tossing this sauce with my favorite pasta for a quick dinner. Plus, you can enjoy it guilt-free. Win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rigatoni Pasta: I love using rigatoni for its big shape that holds onto the sauce really well. However, any pasta you enjoy works great—penne, fettuccine, or even whole wheat options can be used as alternatives.
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives this sauce richness. If you’re watching calories, you can choose low-fat cottage cheese. For a different texture, ricotta cheese is a fantastic substitute, offering similar creaminess.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely salty kick. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano is a good alternative, providing a sharper flavor. Nutritional yeast can also work for a dairy-free option while making it less creamy but still delicious.
Heavy Cream or Milk: Heavy cream enriches the sauce, but whole milk is a suitable substitute for a lighter version. If you’re looking to cut fat, almond milk or cashew cream can be used, but note this may change the sauce’s richness.
How Do I Blend the Sauce Smoothly?
To achieve that creamy, smooth texture in your Alfredo sauce, blending is key. Start with your cottage cheese, Parmesan, and heavy cream in a blender or a food processor. Make sure to blend until completely smooth—this can take a minute or two. If it feels too thick, you can add a splash of milk to help it along.
- Give your blender a shake if needed during blending to ensure all ingredients get mixed well.
- For an even smoother result, consider straining the blended mixture to remove any small curds.
How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta (or your preferred pasta)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full fat for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy cottage cheese Alfredo sauce will take about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes cooking the pasta and making the sauce, and then just a few minutes for serving. It’s a quick, comforting dish perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rigatoni pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside while you make the sauce.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown, as that can make it taste bitter.
3. Blend the Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream (or milk). Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your delicious sauce!
4. Combine and Heat the Sauce:
Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook on low heat for about 3-4 minutes. This will warm the sauce and allow it to thicken slightly. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
5. Toss the Pasta:
Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss the pasta to ensure it’s coated evenly with the sauce. Let it cook for another minute or so to combine the flavors.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the creamy cottage cheese Alfredo pasta to serving bowls. For the finishing touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and add a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your creamy, delicious pasta right away! It’s a comforting dish that’s sure to please!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese can still create a creamy sauce, though it may be slightly less rich. Just blend it well to ensure a smooth texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce is too thick.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Alfredo Sauce?
Definitely! You can add cooked broccoli, spinach, or roasted mushrooms for a nutritious boost. Just toss them in with the pasta before serving for added flavor and texture.
What Pasta Shapes Work Best?
While rigatoni is great for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or even farfalle can work just as well. Choose your favorite to customize this dish!