Let’s get dinner on the table fast! This protein-packed, creamy alfredo pasta sauce made with cottage cheese is a quick, no-cook recipe made right in the blender. It’s a huge time saver and a healthy, delicious, weeknight-friendly meal that delivers over 25 grams of protein per serving.
I’m always looking for easy recipes packed with protein and fiber, and this cottage cheese alfredo pasta is just that! Thanks to the blender, this sauce is super quick and convenient (it takes just minutes!). One serving of this creamy pasta provides over 25 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber—a combination that can help you feel satiated and satisfied for hours.
As far as I’m concerned, cottage cheese is a protein-packed super food! I just love adding it to all types of recipes including high-protein flatbread, pancakes, scrambled eggs, egg bakes, breakfast toast, and cottage cheese fruit bowls! It’s a great protein-rich staple ingredient for those on a health and wellness journey like myself, as it can help maintain muscle mass and support a healthy metabolism.
Healthy Cooking Tip: You can change up the pasta to create a meal everyone loves. My kids love this with traditional white pasta (see below!), while my hubby and I prefer whole grain or chickpea pasta for the extra nutrients. The key to making healthy eating sustainable is to stay flexible and find what works for you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cottage cheese Alfredo recipe uses just 5 key ingredients! And thanks to my handy-dandy blender this recipe could not be any easier or any faster to make. Here are some notes on the ingredients needed:
- Cottage cheese: Keeps this recipe light and protein-packed by adding a nice, rich, creamy texture without the need for heavy cream or butter. Look for the brand Good Culture! I think it’s the most delicious brand of cottage cheese on the market.
- Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty, and delicious – just one ounce of Parmesan contributes 11 grams of protein (who knew?!).
- Seasonings: My go-to flavor trio is always garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. You don’t always need to get fancy to create lots of flavor.
- Milk or broth: When I first created this recipe, I used chicken broth to thin out the sauce (it’s delicious, and it works!). But I have come to prefer using milk, as it adds a richer, creamier texture. Ultimately, they both work, so use what you have or prefer.
- Whole grain linguine: You can use any pasta you love. I prefer whole grain or chickpea pasta for the extra protein and fiber, but you do you!
- Fresh basil: Optional – but it adds beautiful color and fresh flavor. You can swap in some dried basil as well.
- Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and red chili flakes (if you like things with a bit of spice).
Ingredient Tip: I usually opt for the 2% low-fat cottage cheese option (Good Culture is my favorite brand!) as it’s rich and creamy but not too heavy. If preferred, you can swap in non-fat or full-fat options. Remember, the higher the fat content, the creamier the alfredo sauce.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Alfredo
OK! Get ready, and don’t turn away—this creamy cottage cheese alfredo comes together quickly. Here’s all you do:
Add cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper to a high-speed blender or food processor and process until smooth to create a creamy sauce. Set aside.
In the meantime, boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Note: Whole grain and chickpea pasta cooks faster than the package instructions, so keep an eye on them.
Drain the pasta and return the pasta to the hot pot over super-low heat on the stovetop. Keep the heat as low as it will go as you pour the creamy alfredo sauce over the pasta noodles.
Toss the sauce with the pasta and continue to cook over low heat, stirring as you go, until warmed through.
Transfer to a serving bowl and top with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and red chili flakes. This is, of course, optional but highly recommended.
Extra Tips & Storage Recommendations
- Bump it up: Turn this into a bigger meal by adding some roasted chicken or shrimp to your pasta. I also love adding some green veggies as well. Garlic broccoli and roasted asparagus are both delicious options.
- Storing leftover sauce: Store any leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.
- Reheating: Use low heat to rewarm this on the stovetop and stir often for best results.
COTTAGE CHEESE ALFREDO RECIPE VIDEO
Thanks so much for reading! If you make this recipe, I would love you to give it a ★ rating below. Follow me on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for more healthy food inspiration. Cheers!
Bangin’ Blender Alfredo with Cottage Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese, (I love Good Culture)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound whole grain linguine (or any pasta you prefer)
- 1/3 cup fresh basil chopped
- grated Parmesan cheese and red chili flakes optional for serving
Instructions
- Add cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, milk, garlic, salt and pepper to a high speed blender or food processor and process until smooth to create a creamy sauce.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions.*
- Drain the pasta and return the pasta to the hot pot over super-low heat on the stovetop. Keep the heat as low as it will go as you pour the creamy alfredo sauce over the pasta noodles.
- Toss the sauce with the pasta and continue to cook over low heat, stirring as you go, until warmed through.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and top with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese and red chili flakes, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
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- Cooking the pasta: Whole grain, chickpea, and lentil pasta options tend to cook faster than the package suggests. Watch them closely and drain once they are al dente (this can take as little as 4 minutes, depending on brand).
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- Storing leftover sauce: Store any leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.
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- Reheating: Use low heat to rewarm this on the stovetop and stir often for best results.
Comments
Kat says
This is so quick and delicious! I don’t usually like ‘creamy’ pasta sauces, but this is really good. The whole family loved it.
Erica says
Very easy to make. My family enjoyed it! Can the sauce be frozen?
Dani Spies says
I haven’t tried myself, but but my guess is that the sauce can be frozen!
Sara Pikelny says
Can extra sauce be frozen? Not expecting extra, but just in case
Dani Spies says
Yes. You can definitely freeze the leftover sauce.
Angel says
Woah! This was incredible! I did not think I was going to love the sauce but it was hands down the best Alfredo I’ve ever made and that’s including the from scratch regular kind. I added shrimp and broccoli. Incredibly filling and satisfying. Sauce texture and flavor so so good!
Elizabeth says
I would have never thought about cottage cheese for this recipe, but excited to make it. Would I be able to sub the 2% milk for almond milk and use a higher fat cottage cheese as you mention, the 2%?
Dani Spies says
Those substitutions will defintitely work. Enjoy!
Kay says
My husband loved it. Gave- it’s a keeper!
Mandy says
This was amazing! We loved it. I will make it again!