This creamy Alfredo sauce made with cottage cheese is a lighter spin on the classic! It’s smooth, cheesy, and full of flavor, perfect for pasta lovers.
I like to whip this up when I’m craving comfort food but want to keep it healthy. It’s so easy to make—just blend and heat! Serve it over your favorite noodles for a cozy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used rigatoni, which holds the sauce beautifully. However, you can swap it with any pasta you prefer, like fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works too!
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese gives this sauce a creamy texture with fewer calories. If you’re not a fan, you can use ricotta cheese for a similar result. For a dairy-free version, try silken tofu blended until smooth.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a rich, nutty flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option that still has a cheesy taste.
Milk: I prefer whole or 2% milk for creaminess. Almond milk or oat milk can work for a dairy-free version, but opt for unsweetened to keep the flavor balanced.
How Do I Make the Alfredo Sauce Smooth and Creamy?
The secret to a silky Alfredo sauce is blending the cottage cheese until it’s completely smooth. Use a blender or food processor for the best results. Here’s how:
- Combine cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, and milk in the blender.
- Blend on high for about 30-45 seconds until creamy.
- Make sure there are no lumps left—the smoother the mixture, the creamier the sauce will be.
- After blending, heat the mixture gently in the skillet to prevent curdling.
Taking your time with these steps will ensure you get a delightfully creamy sauce without any graininess!
Creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rigatoni or your favorite pasta
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta dish takes about 25 minutes in total—10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight meal!
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 and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
While your pasta cooks, grab a blender or food processor. Add the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, and milk. Blend them until everything is super smooth and creamy—aim for 30-45 seconds. This is key for a silky sauce!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring often, until it smells delicious but is not browned.
4. Combine Sauce and Heat:
Now, reduce the heat a bit. Pour the creamy cottage cheese mixture into the skillet with the garlic. Stir continuously for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce is heated through and thickened a little. Just don’t let it boil; we want it creamy!
5. Season the Sauce:
Give the sauce a flavor boost by adding salt and freshly ground black pepper until it tastes just right. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to your skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly so the sauce coats every piece of pasta. This helps to ensure every bite is yummy!
7. Garnish and Serve:
It’s time to serve! Dish out your creamy pasta into bowls and sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley on top for that lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your delicious, healthier Alfredo pasta!
This creamy cottage cheese Alfredo is so fantastic that you’ll want to make it again and again!
Can I Use Dairy-Free Alternatives?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, substitute the cottage cheese with silken tofu and use almond milk or any unsweetened plant-based milk in place of regular milk. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce?
If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can let it simmer on low heat for a few extra minutes, or you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water and stir until it thickens to your liking.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Alfredo pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to help restore the creaminess and heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Add Vegetables or Proteins to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add cooked vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra nutrition. For protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are great additions to make this pasta more filling!
