This creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta is a fun twist on a classic! It uses cottage cheese for a lighter, cheesy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Making this dish is a breeze! I love how quick it comes together—perfect for those busy nights when I still want something tasty. Plus, it has that comforting pasta goodness! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine Pasta: This flat pasta is perfect for creamy sauces. If you don’t have fettuccine, you can use linguine or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese gives a creamy texture with less fat. If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta is a great alternative. It gives a similar creamy effect but is softer.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parm has the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Milk: I like whole or 2% milk for creaminess, but almond or oat milk works if you want a non-dairy version. Just make sure it’s unsweetened!
How Do You Make the Sauce Creamy Without Heavy Cream?
Create that creamy sauce texture by blending cottage cheese with the other ingredients. This is a key step as it replaces the traditional heavy cream. Here’s how to do it:
- Blend cottage cheese, Parmesan, and milk until smooth—this is your sauce base.
- Cooking the garlic in butter infuses flavor before adding your cottage cheese mixture.
- Keep the heat low when adding the mixture to preserve the creaminess and prevent curdling.
Gently warm the sauce for the best results! It allows the flavors to meld while keeping everything smooth.
Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cottage cheese Alfredo pasta takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal that feels indulgent without the heavy calories!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Making the Sauce Base:
Next, grab your blender or food processor. Combine the low-fat cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and milk. Blend everything together until smooth and creamy. This is what makes your Alfredo sauce lighter but still rich and delicious!
3. Infusing Flavor:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it to smell wonderful, but be careful not to let it brown—burnt garlic isn’t tasty!
4. Bringing It All Together:
Now, reduce the heat to low. Carefully add the blended cottage cheese mixture to the skillet. Stir it continuously to combine and warm the sauce gently. Make sure it doesn’t come to a boil, or it can affect the creaminess!
5. Seasoning to Perfection:
Take a moment to taste the sauce. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. This step is crucial for bringing out all the flavors!
6. Mixing in the Pasta:
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it gently to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy sauce. Make sure every noodle is covered!
7. Serving It Up:
Once the pasta is well-coated, serve it immediately! I love to garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of black pepper for a little kick. Enjoy your comforting, healthier Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta!
This dish is perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner and is sure to impress family and friends!
Can I Use Whole Milk Instead of 2%?
Absolutely! Whole milk will give your sauce an even creamier texture. Just make sure to blend it well with the cottage cheese and Parmesan for a smooth sauce.
Can I Make This Pasta Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply swap out the fettuccine for gluten-free pasta. There are many great options made from rice or quinoa that will work nicely with the sauce.
How to 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 a little water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and flavor. Just toss them in with the pasta before serving!
