Name: Cottage Cheese Alfredo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup milk (any kind); 1 1/4 cups cottage cheese (Good Culture whole milk recommended, but any percentage works); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (as needed); 12 ounces pasta of choice

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Introduction

Cottage Cheese Alfredo is a creamy, lighter twist on the classic Alfredo sauce, made with wholesome cottage cheese for extra protein. It’s easy to prepare and pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta for a comforting meal.

A close-up of creamy fettuccine pasta coated in a smooth white sauce with specks of black pepper scattered all over, showing thick noodles intertwined with a glossy texture, topped with finely grated pale yellow cheese that blends lightly into the sauce. The overall look is rich and inviting with a gentle shine on the pasta strands. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup milk (any kind)
1 1/4 cups cottage cheese (any fat percentage, Good Culture whole milk recommended)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup pasta cooking water (as needed)
Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
12 ounces pasta of choice

Instructions

Step 1: Blend the milk and cottage cheese in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to low. Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the pan. Add the parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring gently to combine and melt the cheese without overheating to prevent curdling.
Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, then rinse the pasta with cool water.
Step 5: Toss the pasta with the Alfredo sauce over low heat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency. Warm gently without overheating to avoid sauce separation. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve.

Tips & Variations

Use whole milk cottage cheese for a richer texture or low-fat for a lighter sauce.
Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetable boost.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of pasta water gradually while stirring.
To keep sauce smooth, avoid boiling or using high heat once the cheese is added.

Storage

Store leftover Cottage Cheese Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens upon chilling.

How to Serve

This close-up image shows a creamy pasta dish featuring long, flat noodles coated in a thick white sauce. The sauce is smooth and rich, clinging to each strand of pasta. The noodles are tangled and layered unevenly, with small specks of black pepper and grated cheese scattered evenly on top, adding texture and contrast to the creamy white and light golden colors of the pasta. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a soft, glossy finish. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses instead of parmesan?

Yes, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a similar sharp flavor, but Parmesan is recommended for its melting qualities and classic taste.

Is it necessary to rinse the pasta after cooking?

Rinsing cools the pasta to prevent overcooking and stops the cooking process, which can help maintain the sauce’s smooth texture. However, if you prefer, you may skip rinsing but be careful not to overheat when combining with the sauce.