Cottage Cheese Alfredo: Quick, Creamy, High-Protein Pasta (Print Version)
Cottage Cheese Alfredo delivers a creamy, high-protein pasta dish in minutes. Enjoy a healthier, quick-prep meal without sacrificing flavor.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ The Creamy Protein Powerhouse
01 -
2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
02 -
1/2 cup 2% milk
03 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 -
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
05 -
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
→ Aromatic Essentials
06 -
1 tbsp olive oil
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
→ Pasta & Flavor Finishers
09 -
12 oz fettuccine or desired pasta
10 -
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
11 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
12 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
13 -
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
14 -
Salt, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz fettuccine or desired pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water for later use in your Cottage Cheese Alfredo: Creamy, Quick & High-Protein.
02 -
While pasta cooks, combine 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese, 1/2 cup 2% milk, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice in a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.
03 -
In a large skillet or pot, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 cloves minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
04 -
Reduce heat to low. Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the skillet with the garlic and butter. Stir well to combine. Gently heat the sauce, ensuring it doesn't boil, to maintain its creamy texture for your Cottage Cheese Alfredo: Creamy, Quick & High-Protein.
05 -
Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat every strand. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
06 -
Season the Cottage Cheese Alfredo: Creamy, Quick & High-Protein with 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste. Garnish with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped. Serve immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
For an even richer sauce, consider using full-fat cottage cheese instead of low-fat. Ensure your blender is powerful enough to achieve a super smooth consistency.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.
03 -
Feel free to customize your Alfredo! Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a complete meal, or stir in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
04 -
If you don't have nutritional yeast, you can omit it, but it adds a lovely cheesy depth and umami flavor to the sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Blender or food processor
02 -
Large pot
03 -
Large skillet
04 -
Measuring cups and spoons
05 -
Grater
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 574 kcal
Total Fat: 18 g
Total Carbohydrate: 68 g
Protein: 34 g