This creamy cottage cheese Alfredo sauce is a delightful twist on a classic! It’s rich, cheesy, and oh-so-smooth, perfect for pasta or veggies.
I love how simple it is to whip up! Just blend the cottage cheese with some garlic and parmesan for a tasty treat. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some protein! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the sauce! I recommend using small curd cottage cheese for a smoother texture. If you’re not a fan, you can also use ricotta or Greek yogurt for a different twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a wonderful flavor. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano works well, or you could use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a great kick! If you don’t have fresh, a teaspoon of garlic powder can stand in, though it’s not quite the same.
Milk: I like whole milk for creaminess, but any milk type works, including plant-based options like almond or oat milk, for a lighter version made creamy.
How Do You Get the Sauce to Be Smooth and Creamy?
Getting your sauce smooth is key to a great Alfredo! Start by blending the cottage cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and milk. This step is crucial – blend until it’s completely smooth. A blender or food processor works best for this.
- Make sure to scrape down the sides of the blender so everything gets mixed evenly.
- Once blended, gently heat the mixture in the skillet over low heat to thicken, stirring continuously.
- Avoid boiling the sauce; just warm it through to keep it creamy and delicious!
How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd or creamy)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz cooked pasta (penne or similar)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick
Time Needed:
This creamy cottage cheese Alfredo sauce takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 5 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying your meal in around 15 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Ingredients:
Start by putting the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and milk into a blender or food processor. Blend it all together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This creates the base of your sauce, so take your time to get it nice and velvety!
2. Melt the Butter:
Next, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, lower the heat to low so we can keep the sauce gentle and avoid any scorching.
3. Combine the Sauce:
Now, pour the smooth cottage cheese mixture into the skillet with the melted butter. Stir it gently as you heat the sauce for about 3 to 5 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce a little bit without bringing it to a boil. Stirring is key here!
4. Season It Up:
After the sauce has warmed up, it’s time to season! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. If you like a little kick, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
5. Toss with Pasta:
Next, add your cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta with the creamy sauce until it’s all evenly coated. This is where the magic happens, and your pasta becomes wonderfully indulgent!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is mixed, it’s time to serve! Scoop the creamy pasta onto plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if you want. Enjoy your light but satisfying creamy cottage cheese Alfredo pasta!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can! Low-fat cottage cheese works well if you’re looking to reduce calories. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less creamy, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Thicken the Sauce If It’s Too Thin?
If your sauce turns out too thin, you can let it simmer a bit longer on low heat to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can stir in a little more grated Parmesan cheese to help thicken it up while adding flavor.
Can I Freeze Leftover Sauce?
While this sauce freezes well, the texture may change slightly once thawed. To freeze, portion it in airtight containers, and it will last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to use it, reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
What Other Pasta Can I Use with This Sauce?
This creamy cottage cheese Alfredo sauce pairs well with various pasta shapes! Besides penne, consider using fettuccine, rotini, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a hearty meal.
