Name: Cottage Cheese Alfredo Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup milk (any kind); 1 1/4 cups cottage cheese (preferably whole milk); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste; 12 ounces pasta of choice; 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 12 reviews

If you adore creamy, comforting pasta dishes but want a lighter, protein-packed twist, this Cottage Cheese Alfredo Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This luscious sauce uses cottage cheese blended to silky perfection, offering a fresh take on the classic Alfredo that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Ready in just 15 minutes and bursting with rich garlic, parmesan, and Italian seasoning flavors, it transforms your favorite pasta into a vibrant meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear blender cup filled halfway with a light yellow liquid that has many small bubbles on the surface, showing a smooth and slightly frothy texture. The blender is positioned at the center of a white marbled surface, with natural light highlighting the translucent container and the creamy mixture inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Cottage Cheese Alfredo Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every element plays a crucial role, from the creamy cottage cheese base that adds protein and texture, to the garlic and parmesan that build depth of flavor and that irresistible cheesy richness.

Milk (1/2 cup): Use any kind you like; it helps create the smooth sauce base by thinning the cottage cheese.
Cottage cheese (1 1/4 cups): Whole milk cottage cheese works best for creaminess, but any percentage will do.
Olive oil (1 Tablespoon): Adds subtle richness and helps sauté the garlic perfectly.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings that fragrant, savory boost every Alfredo sauce needs.
Parmesan cheese (1 cup fresh grated): Provides the classic nutty, salty flavor signature to Alfredo sauce.
Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A delicate herb blend that brightens and balances the cheesiness.
Pasta cooking water (1/2 cup, as needed): The secret to adjusting sauce consistency while keeping it silky.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper: For seasoning to your taste and highlighting the flavors.
Pasta (12 ounces): Pick your favorite type — linguine, fettuccine, or penne all work wonderfully.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Cottage Cheese Mixture

Start by combining the milk and cottage cheese in a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth. This creamy base is what sets this recipe apart, giving you the rich texture without heaviness. A smooth, lump-free mixture is key to a perfect sauce.

Step 2: Saute the Garlic

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Cook it just until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, taking care not to brown it. This step infuses the olive oil with garlic’s aromatic flavor, creating a savory foundation for the sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Melt Cheese Gently

Reduce the heat to low and pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the pan. Add the grated parmesan and Italian seasoning, stirring gently to melt the cheese without overheating. Low and slow is the trick here; overheating can cause curdling, so patience yields the creamiest texture.

Step 4: Prepare the Pasta

While your sauce is gently simmering, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water — it’s so helpful for adjusting the sauce consistency. Rinse the pasta briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Return the pasta to the pan and toss gently with the Alfredo sauce over low heat, just until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as too much heat can cause the sauce to separate. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if you want to loosen the sauce for perfect coating.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Alfredo Recipe

A close-up image of noodles tossed in a rich, creamy white sauce inside a dark pan. The noodles are thick and coated evenly with the sauce, which has a smooth texture with tiny black pepper specks. A pair of white tongs is lifting a portion of the noodles, showing the sauce clinging to each strand. The background features a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor. Don’t forget an extra dusting of parmesan or a crack of black pepper right at the end — these small touches elevate the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The fresh, crunchy sides provide balance to the creamy pasta and brighten the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special twist, try serving the pasta inside hollowed-out grilled tomatoes or scooped into crispy Parmesan cheese bowls. This not only makes a beautiful presentation but adds a new texture experience that your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cottage Cheese Alfredo Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Before storing, allow the sauce to cool slightly to preserve its texture.

Freezing

Freezing this sauce is possible but not ideal as dairy-based sauces can separate. If you choose to freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

When reheating, do it slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water can help bring back the creamy consistency after refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While whole milk cottage cheese makes for a creamier sauce, low-fat or even fat-free works fine and makes the dish lighter, though the texture might be slightly less rich.

Is this recipe suitable for people who are lactose intolerant?

If you’re sensitive to lactose, choosing lactose-free milk and cottage cheese can make this recipe more tolerable while still maintaining its creamy texture.

What pasta types work best with Cottage Cheese Alfredo Recipe?

Long noodles like fettuccine or linguine carry the sauce beautifully, but short pasta like penne or rigatoni also work well to trap the creamy sauce in their shapes.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms are fantastic additions if you want to boost the protein and make it a heartier meal.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If your sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water or milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, cook it a little longer over low heat to reduce and thicken it up gently.

Final Thoughts

This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Recipe is one of those delicious surprises in the kitchen — familiar comfort wrapped in a wholesome, protein-packed twist that’s quick to make and endlessly satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easy it is to create a dish that’s both cozy and bright with fresh flavor. Grab your blender and pasta pot, and let this creamy recipe become a new favorite in your rotation.