This creamy cottage cheese Alfredo sauce is a twist on the classic. It’s rich, smooth, and packed with flavor without all the extra fuss. Plus, it’s lighter with the cottage cheese!
I love how easy it is to whip up—just blend and heat. Pour it over pasta and watch it disappear. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters will want seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives the sauce a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat cottage cheese works, though it’s less rich. Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for a tangy twist!
Pasta: Rigatoni is a fantastic choice as the sauce clings well to its ridges. However, you could use any pasta shape you like—penne, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth. If you can’t find it, try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or a vegan Parmesan if you’re keeping it plant-based!
Milk: Whole or 2% milk contributes to creaminess. Almond milk or any other plant-based milk can work as dairy-free alternatives, but taste may vary a bit.
How Do I Make My Sauce Smooth and Creamy?
A key step is blending the sauce ingredients. Use a high-speed blender to achieve a silky texture. Here’s how:
- Blend cottage cheese, Parmesan, milk, sautéed garlic, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Warm the blended sauce gently on low heat, stirring often to avoid scorching.
This technique ensures the garlic flavors blend in well, creating a perfect Alfredo sauce without any lumps!
How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni or your favorite pasta
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning or dried basil (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and making the sauce, and another 10 minutes for warming the sauce and serving. It’s a quick and delicious meal that comes together effortlessly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add your rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
2. Melting the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely before moving to the next step. Pay attention not to let it brown.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown as it can taste bitter.
4. Blending the Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, the sautéed garlic and butter, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Blend until everything is smooth and creamy. This is the base of your Alfredo sauce!
5. Warming the Sauce:
Pour the blended sauce back into the saucepan. Heat it gently over low heat, stirring often, so it warms through without getting too hot or boiling. If it seems too thick, you can add a touch more milk to thin it out.
6. Tossing the Pasta:
Now, add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss it gently, making sure every piece is well coated in the creamy mixture. You want to combine them evenly for the best flavor!
7. Serving:
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy your deliciously creamy cottage cheese Alfredo sauce!
This creamy cottage cheese Alfredo sauce is a delightful twist on the classic recipe—lighter and packed with flavor! Perfect for a cozy dinner. Enjoy!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can! Low-fat cottage cheese will give you a lighter sauce, but keep in mind it may not be as creamy as using full-fat. Just ensure you blend it well to achieve a smooth consistency.
What Pasta Can I Use Instead of Rigatoni?
You can use any pasta shape you prefer! Penne, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta are great substitutes. The sauce will coat any shape well, so choose your favorite!
How Should I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Sauce Vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cottage cheese with blended silken tofu or a vegan cream cheese for a similar texture. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor without dairy!