Creamy Cottage Cheese Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Creamy Cottage Cheese Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe For Pasta Night

Creamy, luxurious pasta dishes have a special way of comforting our souls, and this cottage cheese fettuccine alfredo recipe brings a healthier twist to the classic comfort food.

Packed with protein and incredibly smooth, cottage cheese creates a velvety sauce that rivals traditional cream-based versions.

The magic happens when you blend cottage cheese into a silky, rich alfredo that feels indulgent yet nutritious.

Each twirl of fettuccine becomes a delightful experience, coated in a luscious, lighter sauce that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Forget heavy cream and excessive calories – this recipe offers a guilt-free approach to enjoying a beloved pasta classic.

Light, creamy, and satisfying, this dish proves that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious.

Get ready to fall in love with a new pasta night staple that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Storage Advice That Keeps the Texture Right

  • Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover fettuccine in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture and prevent sauce separation.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Prepare sauce separately and freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before mixing with freshly cooked pasta for a quick meal solution.
  • Batch Cooking Brilliance: Double the recipe and create multiple meals throughout the week. Portion out servings in separate containers for quick lunch or dinner options that save time and reduce cooking stress.
  • Smart Ingredient Strategy: Keep cottage cheese, parmesan, and pasta stocked in your kitchen for spontaneous meal preparation. These pantry staples allow you to whip up this delicious dish with minimal advance planning.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Cottage Cheese Alfredo Ingredient Checklist

For Pasta Base:
  • Fettuccine Pasta: Classic Italian noodle perfect for creamy sauces, choose fresh or dried pasta with good texture and thickness.
  • Alternative Pasta: Swap with linguine or penne for different dining experience, select high-quality wheat or gluten-free options.
For Creamy Sauce Components:
  • Cottage Cheese, Milk: Provides silky smooth base with protein-rich texture, select fresh and cold dairy for optimal blending.
  • Butter: Adds rich depth and enhances sauce's velvety consistency, choose unsalted for better flavor control.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers authentic Italian tangy flavor, opt for freshly grated for superior taste and melting properties.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Introduces aromatic warmth and depth, select firm, fresh cloves without green sprouts.
  • Black Pepper: Creates subtle spicy undertone, freshly ground offers more robust flavor profile.
  • Salt: Balances and elevates overall taste, use moderate amount to complement other ingredients.
For Garnish:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle for extra cheesy finish, select finely grated for elegant presentation.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and herbal freshness, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Tools That Help Blend a Smooth Alfredo Sauce

  • Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of water.
  • Colander: Needed to drain cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
  • Blender: Critical for creating a silky smooth alfredo sauce from cottage cheese.
  • Medium Bowl: Used for mixing cottage cheese before blending.
  • Small Bowl: Perfect for melting butter and garlic in microwave.
  • Measuring Cups: Help measure precise amounts of milk and cheese.
  • Microwave or Small Pan: Helps melt butter and cook garlic quickly.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing pasta and sauce together.
  • Grater: Used for preparing fresh parmesan cheese for garnish.

Instructions for Fettuccine with a Lighter Twist

  • Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot and cook fettuccine until tender. The pasta should have a slight bite and feel smooth when tasted.

  • Sauce Creation

Grab your blender and toss in cottage cheese, softened butter with fragrant garlic, parmesan, and a splash of milk. Pulse until silky and luxurious, creating a velvety mixture that promises comfort in every spoonful.

  • Flavor Balance

Swirl the blended sauce into your perfectly cooked pasta. Stir gently, allowing each strand to become coated with the creamy goodness. Sprinkle black pepper and taste, adjusting seasoning to your preference.

  • Final Touch

Shower the dish with additional parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The green herbs will add a pop of color and brightness to the rich, creamy pasta.

  • Serving Moment

Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the sauce is at its most seductive. Each bite promises a delightful blend of smooth cheese, garlic warmth, and pasta perfection.

Cheese and Herb Options for Flavor Boosts

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Texture Magic: For an ultra-smooth sauce, use a high-powered blender and let it run longer to break down the cottage cheese completely.
  • Protein Power Boost: Toss in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits to transform this into a more substantial meal.
  • Veggie Delight: Mix in roasted vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and vibrant flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Swap cottage cheese with silken tofu and use plant-based milk for a lighter, lactose-free version of this classic dish.
  • Spice It Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of nutmeg, or stir in some fresh basil to give the Alfredo sauce an exciting flavor profile.

Serve This Dish Hot and Creamy on Any Night

  • Cozy Family Dinner Night: Pair this creamy fettuccine with a light green salad and crusty garlic bread for a comforting complete meal that everyone will love.
  • Protein Power Boost: Top the pasta with grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits to transform this dish into a protein-packed dinner option.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, creamy sauce with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a buttery Chardonnay to enhance the flavors and create a restaurant-worthy dining experience.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley, chives, or basil on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
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Creamy Cottage Cheese Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Creamy Cottage Cheese Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe


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4.9 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Rich and creamy cottage cheese fettuccine alfredo offers a healthier twist on classic Italian pasta. Light, protein-packed ingredients create a delightful meal you’ll savor with each comforting bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 oz (280 g) fettuccine pasta
  • 1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk
  • ¼ cup (25 g) parmesan cheese
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Boil fettuccine in well-salted water until al dente, carefully following package cooking guidelines for optimal texture and doneness.
  2. Sauce Foundation: Melt butter and garlic together, creating a fragrant base that will infuse the entire alfredo with rich, aromatic undertones.
  3. Sauce Blending: Combine cottage cheese, garlic-butter mixture, parmesan, milk, and black pepper in a blender, processing until achieving a velvety, smooth consistency with no cheese fragments remaining.
  4. Sauce Refinement: Taste and calibrate seasoning, adding salt as needed to balance the creamy sauce’s complex flavor profile.
  5. Pasta Integration: Drain pasta briefly, then introduce the silky alfredo sauce, gently folding to ensure each strand is luxuriously coated with the creamy mixture.
  6. Final Presentation: Garnish with delicate parmesan cheese shavings and finely chopped parsley, elevating the dish’s visual appeal and adding a fresh, herbal note.
  7. Serving: Plate immediately to maintain the sauce’s optimal temperature and luscious, smooth texture, delivering a restaurant-quality dining experience.

Notes

  • Optimize Pasta Cooking: Salt water generously and monitor cooking time precisely to achieve perfect al dente texture.
  • Garlic Butter Technique: Microwave melting releases intense aromatic compounds, elevating the sauce’s flavor complexity.
  • Blending Perfection: Pulverize ingredients thoroughly to create ultra-smooth sauce without cheese lumps, ensuring silky consistency.
  • Serving Strategy: Plate immediately after preparation to maintain sauce’s luxurious temperature and creamy mouthfeel.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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