Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta
This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, high-protein twist on the classic Alfredo sauce. Instead of heavy cream, blended cottage cheese creates a rich and velvety sauce, packed with protein while keeping the dish light and nutritious. It’s perfect for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
12 ounces whole wheat or regular fettuccine (or gluten-free pasta)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce:
1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
½ cup milk (or unsweetened plant-based milk)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, adds depth)
For Garnish:
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan or black pepper for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce
1. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, milk, Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg.
2. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic & Combine Everything
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Saute for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Lower the heat and pour in the blended cottage cheese sauce. Stir gently until warmed through (do not boil).
4. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately while warm!
Nutritional Information
Calories: 380
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 10% DV
(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Notes & Tips
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cottage cheese, almond milk, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Boost Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sauteed mushrooms.
Extra Creaminess: Add 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the sauce.
Make Ahead: Store sauce separately and mix with fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Storage & Reheating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, protein-packed alternative to traditional Alfredo, with all the comfort and flavor—without the heavy cream. Enjoy!