Cottage Cheese Fettuccine Alfredo
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Craving the rich, creamy indulgence of Fettuccine Alfredo but looking for a healthier alternative? This Cottage Cheese Fettuccine Alfredo swaps out heavy cream for cottage cheese, offering all the luxurious texture and flavor of traditional Alfredo while adding a boost of protein. The result? A smooth, velvety sauce that’s just as satisfying as the classic, but with a nutritious twist.
Not only is this lighter Alfredo sauce incredibly easy to make, but it comes together in minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights. Simply blend cottage cheese with garlic, butter, Parmesan, and seasonings to create a creamy, flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with tender fettuccine. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, and you’ve got a comforting homemade meal that feels indulgent but is secretly packed with wholesome goodness.
If looking for a higher-protein pasta sauce, or simply want to shake up your usual Alfredo routine, this recipe is a game-changer. I will admit, it’s not as tasty as the full butter and cream version. However, it’s tasty for a healthier alternative. Serve it with a side of garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken, and enjoy a restaurant-style dish right at home!
Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta
- FETTUCCINE PASTA
- COTTAGE CHEESE
- BUTTER
- GARLIC
- PARMESAN CHEESE
- BLACK PEPPER
- MILK
- SALT
- FRESH PARSLEY, OPTIONAL FOR GARNISH
Instructions for Cottage Cheese Fettuccine Alfredo
Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, letting it cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce Ingredients: Place cottage cheese in a medium bowl. In a separate small bowl, combine minced garlic and butter. Microwave both bowls for 30-45 seconds, warming the cottage cheese and beginning to melt the butter. Return the butter and garlic to the microwave for another 30 seconds until fully melted and bubbling. If you prefer, you can also sauté the garlic in butter on the stovetop for a deeper flavor.
Blend the Alfredo Sauce: In a blender, add the warmed cottage cheese, melted garlic butter, grated Parmesan, milk, and black pepper. Blend for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is silky smooth. Season with salt to taste.
Combine & Serve: Pour the creamy Alfredo sauce over the cooked fettuccine and toss until fully coated. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, then serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese?
Yes! Both low-fat cottage cheese and fat-free cottage cheese work well, but full-fat cottage cheese will give the sauce a creamier texture. If using lower-fat versions, you may need to add a splash of milk for extra smoothness.
Will the sauce taste like cottage cheese?
No! Once blended, the cottage cheese creates a smooth, creamy texture similar to traditional Alfredo sauce. The garlic, Parmesan, and butter help mask any cottage cheese flavor.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore its creamy consistency.
Can I freeze cottage cheese Alfredo sauce?
Freezing is not recommended, as cottage cheese can become grainy when thawed. It’s best to make the sauce fresh or store it in the fridge for a few days.
What pasta works best with this sauce?
Fettuccine is the classic choice, but this sauce also pairs well with penne, linguine, spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Feel free to use your favorite pasta.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, blend in extra Parmesan cheese or let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes to thicken.
What seasonings can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, or fresh basil to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes! A food processor works just as well to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Blend until there are no lumps for the best texture.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Cottage Cheese Fettuccine Alfredo
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ cup milk
- salt to taste
- fresh parsley optional to garnish
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, add the cottage cheese. In another small bowl, add the minced garlic and butter. Microwave both bowls for about 30-45 seconds. Then heat the garlic and butter an extra 30 seconds, until the butter is fully melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can sauté the garlic in butter in a pan.
- Add the cottage cheese, garlic and butter, grated parmesan, milk, and ground black pepper to a blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes until perfectly smooth. Salt sauce to taste.
- When the pasta is cooked, drain it and allow it to sit for 5 minutes to cool a little.
- Pour the Alfredo sauce over the pasta and mix well. Garnish with extra grated parmesan and fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Make Healthy Recipes.
