Name: Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups cottage cheese (4% fat); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup half and half; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 pound linguine; ½ cup pasta water; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Extra grated Parmesan for serving

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The aroma of garlic mingling with rich, creamy cheese wafts through your kitchen, instantly whisking you away to the cozy cafes of Italy. Picture a plate of silky linguine, each strand lovingly coated in a dreamy, velvety sauce that hugs every curve. This Cottage Cheese Alfredo recipe not only embodies that indulgent feeling but does so in a way that’s unexpectedly light and nourishing. I remember the first time I made this twist on a classic; it was a family dinner, and everyone was pleasantly surprised at how the cottage cheese transformed into a luxurious sauce. It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, perfect for a cozy night in or even for surprising guests with a restaurant-quality meal.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cottage Cheese Alfredo

Cottage cheese may not be the ingredient you’d typically associate with creamy Alfredo, but trust me on this—it works wonders! With just a few simple ingredients and about 22 minutes of your time, you can create a sauce that brings comfort to your plate without the heaviness. Whether it’s a rainy day or simply a night craving pasta, I’m thrilled for you to try this delightful recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of cooking, this dish is a breeze to whip up on busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy texture paired with Parmesan and subtle garlic notes makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan makes this dish as beautiful as it is tasty.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a weeknight dinner or elegant enough for dinner parties; this dish fits any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: With a lightened sauce that’s high in protein, it’s a great option for a healthier pasta dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups cottage cheese (4% fat): Provides creaminess without excess fat. For a lower-fat option, use low-fat cottage cheese instead.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that classic savory depth. Freshly grated is recommended for the best flavor.
1/4 cup half and half: This gives the sauce its rich texture. In a pinch, you can substitute with milk or a dairy-free alternative.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a mellow garlic flavor that’s crucial for a well-rounded sauce. Fresh minced garlic also works!
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall taste with a touch of sweetness. You can also use finely chopped onions.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors. Adjust according to your taste.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick that balances the creaminess. Feel free to use fresh cracked pepper for extra flavor.
1 pound linguine: This pasta’s texture pairs perfectly with the sauce. Feel free to swap for gluten-free pasta, if needed.
½ cup pasta water: The starch in the water helps create a creamy consistency for the sauce.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Offers a fresh pop of color and flavor at the end. Basil can also be a wonderful alternative.
Extra grated Parmesan for serving: Because who can resist more cheese?

How to Make Cottage Cheese Alfredo

Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. This step is crucial as it flavors your linguine right from the start. Once boiling, add the linguine and cook according to package directions until it’s just past al dente—this is key for capturing the sauce! Stir occasionally; you want to ensure the pasta doesn’t clump together while it cooks.

Blend the Alfredo Sauce: As the pasta cooks, combine the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, half and half, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a blender. Blend everything until completely smooth—about 30 to 60 seconds should do it. If you still see lumps, keep blending until you achieve that dreamy, yogurt-like consistency.

Warm the Sauce: Pour the silky sauce into a large skillet set over medium heat. Be attentive here; this sauce can thicken quickly. Stir gently as it warms, allowing the Parmesan to melt through without letting it boil. If it gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or more half and half until you reach that perfect consistency.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the linguine is cooked, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water and drain the rest. Add the linguine directly into the warm Alfredo sauce, using tongs to toss generously until every strand is beautifully coated. If it appears too thick, drizzle in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you find that perfectly creamy texture.

Serve: Take a moment to taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan to elevate the dish. Serve immediately, as the sauce will thicken as it cools—this is comfort food at its finest!

Storing & Reheating

If you have leftovers (though I doubt it!), let the Cottage Cheese Alfredo cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or half and half to restore that creamy texture. Just remember, like most creamy sauces, it may thicken a bit once cooled, but it’s easy to bring back to life!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be a bit more firm than usual because it will continue cooking once combined with the sauce.
If your sauce is too thick, don’t be shy about adding a bit of the reserved pasta water; it’s starchy, and that’s exactly what you want!
For an extra flavor boost, try toasting the garlic powder in a bit of olive oil for a couple of minutes before blending.
If you notice chunks of cottage cheese after blending, it’s likely just a sign you’re not blending long enough—keep it running until smooth!
This sauce can be a great base for adding veggies or proteins. Think sautéed spinach, grilled chicken, or steamed broccoli!
If you’re preparing this dish in advance, don’t forget it may thicken in the fridge. Just stir in a bit of half and half when reheating.

There’s something special about enjoying a comforting meal that feels both indulgent and light at the same time. The Cottage Cheese Alfredo delivers on flavor while being quick enough for a weeknight family dinner. It invites you to experiment—think of adding seasonal veggies or your favorite proteins to make it your own. So, gather your ingredients and savor the joy of making something that not only satisfies your cravings but does so with a smile. I can’t wait for you to experience this delightful dish!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! If you want a different flavor, consider swapping the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or even a creamy goat cheese. Just keep in mind that each cheese may have a different flavor profile, so taste as you go to make sure you love the results!

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! You can swap the cottage cheese with a vegan alternative like cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture might differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!

What can I serve with Cottage Cheese Alfredo?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it alongside protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while blending the sauce, or toss in some sautéed spinach with a hint of chili oil for flavor and heat. It’s an easy way to spice things up!