Creamy, high-protein, and guilt-free comfort food 🍝💪
Say hello to your new weeknight favorite Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta! This creamy, dreamy pasta gives you all the rich flavor of classic Alfredo sauce without the heavy cream. Cottage cheese blends into a silky-smooth sauce that’s secretly high in protein and low in guilt perfect for busy weeknights, post-workout dinners, or cozy nights in. With just a few ingredients and 20 minutes, you can whip up this TikTok-trending pasta that’s both healthy and indulgent. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish brings together comfort and nutrition in the most delicious way!
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- 8 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup milk (or pasta water for lighter version)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:
- Blender or food processor
- Medium saucepan
- Large skillet or pan
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. 🍝
- Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan, milk, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Warm it up: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low. Pour in the sauce and warm gently for 2–3 minutes. (Don’t boil or it may curdle!) 🔥
- Add pasta: Toss cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until sauce is glossy and coats the noodles beautifully.
- Season: Taste and adjust salt and pepper to preference.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle extra Parmesan and chopped parsley on top. Enjoy warm! 🌿
Pro Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk before reheating for creaminess.
- Add-ins: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.
- Make it lighter: Use skim cottage cheese and low-fat milk.
- Make it fancy: Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil or roasted garlic.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 390 | 28g | 36g | 14g | 2g | 4g |