Get ready for a creamy and comforting Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta! This dish mixes cheesy cottage cheese with pasta in a smooth sauce. It’s easy to whip up and oh-so-good!
I love how this recipe is a lighter twist on classic Alfredo. It’s quick to make, and I enjoy adding some veggies for a pop of color. Perfect for a cozy dinner! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine works best for this creamy sauce, but you can switch it up with any pasta shape you love. I often use penne or even whole wheat for extra fiber.
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese gives a nice texture in the sauce. If you can’t find it, ricotta cheese makes a good substitute, offering a similar creaminess.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is key for flavor! If you’re out, Pecorino Romano or even a good quality processed Parmesan can do the trick, though the taste will be a touch different.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, use whole milk or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt. This still gives you creaminess while cutting calories.
How Do You Make a Creamy Alfredo Sauce Without Curdling?
Making a creamy sauce with cottage cheese is straightforward if you follow a few steps. The key is to control the heat and combine the ingredients gently.
- Start by melting butter over medium heat, then add garlic quickly to enhance its flavor without browning.
- Reduce the heat to low before adding the cottage cheese and cream. This helps the mixture remain smooth.
- Stir constantly and gradually, ensuring the cheese melts completely. If it gets too thick, add a bit of pasta water to soften it.
Don’t rush the process! Allowing ingredients to blend slowly results in a silky sauce, perfect for coating your pasta.
Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably small curd)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for lighter version)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus a whole leaf for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg for added warmth
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy and delicious Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare. This includes 10-12 minutes for cooking the pasta and making the sauce simultaneously, plus a few more minutes for tossing everything together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as that can alter the flavor.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
Next, lower the heat and add the cottage cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir the mixture frequently. This helps the cheeses melt and creates a rich, creamy sauce.
4. Adjust the Sauce Thickness:
If your sauce seems too thick, don’t worry! Simply add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. This also helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
5. Season and Add Fresh Ingredients:
Season your sauce with salt, pepper, and the optional pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh basil, which adds a lovely touch of flavor.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Gently add the drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure each strand of pasta is well-coated in that delicious sauce.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta right away! Garnish with additional Parmesan, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, and a basil leaf on top for a pop of color. Dig in and enjoy your comforting meal!
Bon appétit! This creamy pasta is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well as a substitute! It will make the dish lighter while still providing creaminess. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly less rich.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Absolutely! You can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
What Other Veggies Can I Add?
Feel free to add veggies like spinach, asparagus, or broccoli. Sauté them briefly with the garlic for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure they are cooked until tender before mixing them into the pasta.
How do I Make it Vegan?
You can easily make this dish vegan by substituting the cottage cheese with vegan cream cheese and using a plant-based milk. Also, replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor!
