Description
A rich, creamy, and high-protein pasta sauce made with blended cottage cheese, ready in just 15 minutes. This healthier alternative to traditional Alfredo is kid-approved and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (450g) full-fat cottage cheese
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound (450g) penne or rigatoni pasta
- Salt for pasta water
- Fresh black pepper for serving
Instructions
- Mince garlic, grate parmesan, and measure broth. Set out blender jar.
- Pour cottage cheese into a blender and blend on high for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth and liquid-like with no visible curds.
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain pasta.
- While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour the blended cottage cheese and chicken broth into the skillet with the garlic. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. Do not let it boil vigorously.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually add the grated parmesan, stirring constantly until melted. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve immediately topped with extra parmesan and fresh black pepper.
Notes
Blend the cottage cheese until completely liquid-like to avoid graininess. Do not boil the sauce after adding the cheese to prevent separation. Always grate your own parmesan as pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Save pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. This recipe does not freeze well due to the dairy content.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: cottage cheese alfredo, high protein pasta, healthy alfredo, 15 minute meals, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta sauce, gluten-free option