This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake is a cozy one-dish wonder! Creamy and cheesy, it uses cottage cheese for extra richness without the extra calories.
I love this recipe because it’s super easy! Just mix, bake, and enjoy those cheesy bites. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some protein. Your family will love it! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is my favorite pasta for this dish because it holds the sauce well. If you’re out of penne, feel free to use any other pasta type, like fusilli or rotini. Just make sure it can hold up to baking!
Cottage Cheese: I recommend using small-curd cottage cheese for a smoother texture. If you prefer a creamier taste, you might substitute ricotta cheese. It has a lovely richness but keep in mind it may change the flavor slightly.
Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought sauce saves time, but if you have the ingredients, homemade Alfredo sauce is simple to make. A mixture of butter, cream, garlic, and cheese can elevate the flavor even more!
Cheese: While I love mozzarella for its meltability and taste, you can use other cheeses like cheddar or provolone. Just mix it up and see what you enjoy most!
Italian Seasoning: This blend adds nice flavor, but fresh herbs like basil or oregano can really make the dish shine if you have them. Adjust to your taste preferences!
How Do I Ensure the Cheese Blends Perfectly in My Bake?
Mixing the cheese properly creates a luscious, creamy texture. Here are my tips for success:
- Start by combining the cottage cheese with the other cheeses in a large bowl.
- Make sure your pasta is warm when you mix it in. This helps everything blend better.
- Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid breaking the pasta, ensuring every bite has flavor.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish to ensure even cooking and cheese distribution.
These steps will help you achieve a perfectly creamy and cheesy result in your pasta bake! Enjoy!
Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) uncooked penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 cups cottage cheese (small curd)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for our creamy pasta bake.
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente, meaning it’s still firm when bitten. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil to keep it from sticking together. Set it aside for later.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Now, add the cooked penne pasta to the bowl with the cheese mixture. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and stir gently until the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy mixture.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully pour the pasta mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that it bakes nicely.
6. Add Topping Cheeses:
Top the pasta bake with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the last 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust on top.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Look for the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This rest time makes it easier to serve! Then, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a dash of color and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up the creamy, cheesy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake while it’s warm. Enjoy every scrumptious bite with your family and friends!
This dish is not just creamy and cheesy; it has a lovely aroma and a nice golden layer on top. Plus, with the added protein from the cottage cheese, it’s a filling and comforting dinner that everyone will love!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, or even elbow macaroni. Just ensure they are cooked al dente to hold their shape during baking.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly! The ingredients, including the cottage cheese and Alfredo sauce, ensure that it’s meat-free. Just double-check any store-bought sauces to confirm they don’t contain animal products!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Allow the bake to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until heated through!
Can I Add Extra Veggies?
Definitely! Feel free to add cooked vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to sauté them first so they don’t release too much moisture while baking.