This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta is the weeknight dinner that wins everyone over — tender pasta wrapped in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce made by blending creamy cottage cheese with Parmesan, garlic, and herbs. Every bite is smooth, savory, and satisfying, with a serious protein boost that makes comfort food feel good too. Serve it on its own or alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk or reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Blend the sauce: Add the cottage cheese, Parmesan, garlic, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and velvety, about 1 minute, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Warm the sauce: Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Pour in the blended sauce and warm gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring often — do not let it boil, or the sauce may separate.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until every strand is coated in the creamy sauce, loosening with splashes of reserved pasta water until it reaches a silky consistency.
- Taste and adjust: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper, adding an extra handful of Parmesan if you like it richer.
- Serve: Divide into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh herbs, and serve immediately.
Pro tip: Blend the sauce until it is completely smooth — no curds should remain — and keep the heat low when warming it. Gentle heat is the secret to a silky cottage cheese Alfredo that never turns grainy.
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Estimated nutrition per serving: 410 calories, 24g protein, 46g carbohydrates, 15g fat.
