Cottage Cheese Alfredo – Creamy, Healthy & Easy Pasta Sauce
Enjoy a lighter twist on a classic favorite with this Cottage Cheese Alfredo! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional Alfredo sauce without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for pasta, veggies, or as a protein boost in your favorite dishes. Quick, simple, and delicious—your weeknight dinners just got easier!
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Cheese grater
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Optional: microplane for zesting lemon
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, blended smooth)
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti; gluten-free optional)
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼–½ cup milk or reserved pasta water (to thin sauce)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Optional flavor boosters: lemon zest, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley
- Optional proteins/vegetables: grilled chicken, shrimp, spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet. Add garlic (and shallots if using) and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Prepare sauce: Blend cottage cheese with milk until smooth. Add to skillet with garlic. Gradually stir in Parmesan until melted.
- Adjust consistency: Thin with reserved pasta water or extra milk as needed. Keep over low heat to prevent curdling.
- Combine pasta & sauce: Toss pasta in sauce until evenly coated. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Add flavor boosters: Stir in lemon zest, parsley, or optional vegetables/protein. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Blend cottage cheese thoroughly for a silky, lump-free sauce.
- Low heat prevents curdling.
- Reserved pasta water helps create a creamy consistency without extra fat.
- Customize with proteins and vegetables for a more filling meal.
- Best served immediately; leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of milk.