Creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Dinner (Print Version)
Creamy cottage cheese alfredo transforms simple pasta into a rich, protein-packed dinner. This healthier twist on a classic is quick for weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Silky Cottage Cheese Sauce
01 -
2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
02 -
1/2 cup whole milk
03 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
04 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
07 -
1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
08 -
1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
→ Pasta Foundation
09 -
12 oz fettuccine pasta
→ Fresh Accents
10 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining the pasta.
02 -
While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
03 -
In a blender, combine 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. This forms the base of your Creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Dinner.
04 -
Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir well to combine. Add about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency for this Creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Dinner.
05 -
Heat the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened. Do not boil. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
06 -
Add the drained 12 oz fettuccine pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until perfect for your Creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Dinner.
07 -
Divide the Creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Dinner among four plates. Garnish each serving with 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
For the silkiest sauce, ensure you blend the cottage cheese mixture until absolutely smooth. Any remaining curds will affect the texture.
02 -
This Creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Dinner is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the sauce may thicken.
03 -
Feel free to customize! Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or stir in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added vegetables.
04 -
If you don't have fettuccine, any long pasta like linguine or spaghetti works wonderfully. You can also use a short pasta like penne or rigatoni.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Saucepan
03 -
Blender or Food Processor
04 -
Measuring cups and spoons
05 -
Colander
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 546 kcal
Total Fat: 16 g
Total Carbohydrate: 70 g
Protein: 30 g