There’s something about this pasta that feels so comforting, yet unexpectedly light.

The first time I made it with cottage cheese, I wasn’t sure what to expect — but one bite changed everything.

It’s rich without being heavy, and the cheesy sauce clings to every strand of pasta like a dream. Perfect for weeknights when I need something both easy and soul-satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy but wholesome – Thanks to protein-rich cottage cheese.

Fast and fuss-free – Comes together in under 30 minutes.

Cheesy comfort – Parmesan adds bold, nutty flavor.

Customizable – Add veggies, chicken, or shrimp on top.

Kid-approved – It’s cheesy pasta, what’s not to love?

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Cottage cheese – The secret to making this sauce creamy and light without cream.

Parmesan cheese – Adds depth, saltiness, and that classic Alfredo flavor.

Garlic – Brings warmth and a savory backbone.

Pasta of your choice – I love fettuccine or penne for holding the sauce.

Pasta water – Helps loosen the sauce to silky perfection.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use whole milk cottage cheese if possible — it yields the smoothest, richest texture.

Don’t skip the blending step — it makes the sauce velvety.

Keep the heat low when cooking the sauce to avoid curdling.

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes superior.

How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Blend the sauce base

In a high-speed blender, combine the milk and cottage cheese.

Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.

Step 2: Sauté garlic

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo sauce

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the blended cottage cheese mixture.

Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.

Stir gently until the Parmesan melts and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Cook the pasta

Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Step 5: Combine and serve

Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce. Use tongs to gently toss everything together.

Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.

Serve warm with your favorite protein or veggies.

What to Serve It With

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with:

Grilled chicken breast

Roasted shrimp

Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach

A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

Variations / Substitutions

Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a richer result.

Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

Stir in cooked mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Swap in gluten-free pasta to keep it GF-friendly.

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Avoid microwaving for too long, as the cheese can separate.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but whole milk cottage cheese gives a creamier texture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy flavor and creamy texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cottage cheese and vegan Parmesan, though the taste will differ.

How do I avoid curdling the sauce?
Keep the heat low and stir gently—don’t let it boil.

Can I freeze the sauce?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Just reheat slowly with added milk.

What protein works best with this pasta?
Grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp all pair perfectly.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but add a splash of milk when reheating to revive the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This creamy cottage cheese Alfredo pasta is my go-to comfort meal that never fails to impress — it’s light, cheesy, and comes together like magic.

Perfect for busy nights, date nights, or just treating yourself to a cozy bowl of deliciousness.

The Boat Shed Kitchen