This creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta is a delicious twist on the classic dish. With cottage cheese adding a rich texture, it’s lighter and packed with protein!
You won’t believe how easy it is to make! Just mix, heat, and serve. Perfect for a quick dinner. I love pairing it with a side salad for a tasty meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: For this recipe, I recommend fettuccine or tagliatelle because they hold the creaminess nicely. However, any pasta type you love, like penne or rotini, will work too!
Cottage Cheese: You can use either full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese. If you’re looking for a similar texture, ricotta cheese makes a great substitute, while Greek yogurt adds creaminess and extra protein.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for a rich flavor. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a good alternative. Nutritional yeast can also give a cheesy flavor for a dairy-free option.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but you can also use 2% or even almond milk for a lighter version. Just be aware it may slightly change the flavor.
How Do You Make the Sauce Creamy Without Heavy Cream?
The key to a creamy Alfredo sauce without the heavy cream lies in how you prepare the cottage cheese. Here’s what to do:
- After sautéing the garlic (and mushrooms if using), lower the heat and stir in the cottage cheese, Parmesan, and milk.
- Use a whisk or a blender to combine these ingredients until the mixture turns smooth and creamy.
- This method ensures the cottage cheese breaks down well, giving your sauce a delightful texture without any grittiness.
Keep the heat low to avoid curdling the cheese. The gentle heat allows everything to meld beautifully!
Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat depending on preference)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta recipe will take about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 10 minutes making the creamy sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or tagliatelle and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
3. Cook the Mushrooms (Optional):
If you’re using mushrooms, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet now. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes until they are soft and tender. If you prefer not to use mushrooms, you can skip this step.
4. Make the Sauce:
Now, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, and milk. Use a whisk or a blender to mix everything together until the sauce is creamy and smooth. This will ensure that the cottage cheese breaks down nicely for a delightful texture!
5. Season the Sauce:
Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir everything until well combined. Adjust the seasoning based on your preferences!
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Bring the drained pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta immediately! Feel free to garnish it with fresh parsley or basil and some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy a delicious, protein-rich meal!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta might have different cooking times.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to include any vegetables you enjoy, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the cottage cheese for a delicious veggie-packed dish!
Is There a Dairy-Free Alternative for This Recipe?
Yes! For a dairy-free version, use cashew cream or a dairy-free cream cheese in place of the cottage cheese. Nutritional yeast can be added for a cheesy flavor, and opt for a plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk!
