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Creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce Recipe Easy Protein-Packed Pasta Swap

creamy cottage cheese alfredo sauce - featured image

A creamy, protein-packed Alfredo sauce made with cottage cheese as a healthier alternative to heavy cream. This quick and easy sauce delivers rich flavor and velvety texture perfect for pasta nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese, well-drained
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup milk (whole or 2%; can substitute with unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste (start with ½ teaspoon)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or whole wheat)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, add 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese (well-drained), ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan, ¾ cup milk, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and a pinch of nutmeg to a blender. Blend on high speed until silky and smooth, about 30-45 seconds. Add more milk if sauce is too thick.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, avoiding browning.
  4. Pour the blended cottage cheese sauce into the skillet with garlic. Stir gently and warm over low-medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Add salt (start with ½ teaspoon) and freshly ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon). Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water, adding a tablespoon at a time if needed.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors and warm through. Add more pasta water if necessary to loosen the sauce.
  6. Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Drain cottage cheese well to avoid watery sauce. Blend thoroughly for smooth texture. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best creaminess. Warm sauce gently over low heat to prevent curdling. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water. Serve immediately for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cottage cheese Alfredo, protein pasta sauce, healthy Alfredo sauce, creamy pasta sauce, easy Alfredo recipe, protein-packed pasta, cottage cheese sauce