Cottage Cheese Alfredo Recipe
Introduction
Cottage Cheese Alfredo is a creamy, nutritious twist on the classic Alfredo sauce, using cottage cheese to create a smooth and flavorful dish. It’s quick to prepare and pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta for a comforting meal.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 1/4 cups cottage cheese (any fat percentage, Good Culture whole milk recommended)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (as needed)
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
- 12 ounces pasta of choice
Instructions
- Step 1: Blend the milk and cottage cheese in a high-speed blender until smooth.
- Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low. Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the pan along with the parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir gently until the parmesan melts. Be careful not to overheat to avoid curdling.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and rinse the pasta with cool water.
- Step 5: Toss the pasta with the Alfredo sauce over low heat until warmed through. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- For a richer sauce, substitute half the milk with cream or add a tablespoon of butter when melting the cheese.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled chicken for extra texture and taste.
- If sauce thickens too much upon standing, stir in a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little milk or pasta water if needed to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat or non-dairy milk in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute any kind of milk including low-fat or non-dairy alternatives, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
Why did my sauce curdle, and how can I prevent it?
The sauce can curdle if overheated. To prevent this, cook gently on low heat and avoid boiling the sauce once the cheese is added. Stir continuously and heat just until the cheese melts.
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Cottage Cheese Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional Alfredo sauce by using cottage cheese blended with milk and parmesan cheese. It’s simple to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Alfredo Sauce
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 1/4 cups cottage cheese (Good Culture whole milk or any percentage)
- 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
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water (as needed)
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta of choice
Instructions
- Blend the base: In a high-speed blender, combine the milk and cottage cheese and blend until smooth, creating the base for your Alfredo sauce.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine and melt cheese: Reduce heat to low and pour in the blended cottage cheese mixture along with the parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir gently to melt the parmesan cheese without overheating to prevent the sauce from curdling.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Rinse the noodles with cool water to stop cooking.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Return the pasta to the pan with the Alfredo sauce over low heat. Toss until the pasta is warmed through to your liking, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency. Avoid overheating the sauce to prevent separation.
Notes
- Use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole, 2%, or plant-based milk, but whole milk will yield a richer sauce.
- Be cautious with heat when melting the parmesan and warming the sauce to prevent curdling or separation.
- Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and ensures it coats the pasta evenly.
- Rinsing pasta after cooking stops the cooking process and prevents overcooking but may reduce starch that helps sauce adhere; adjust based on preference.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of pasta water added.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Cottage Cheese Alfredo, Healthy Alfredo Sauce, Homemade Alfredo, Creamy Pasta Sauce, Easy Alfredo Recipe

