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Cottage Cheese Fettuccine Alfredo

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Savor a lighter twist on a classic—this dish features al dente fettuccine coated in a velvety sauce made with blended cottage cheese, garlic, parmesan, and a splash of milk. Butter adds richness, black pepper provides subtle warmth, and everything is finished with more parmesan and parsley. The sauce comes together quickly in a blender, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture that clings to each strand of pasta. Adjust the thickness as you like with extra milk or parmesan, and enjoy a satisfying plate that's both comforting and easy to prepare. Serve warm and garnish generously.

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Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 26 May 2025 15:27:52 GMT
A bowl of pasta with cheese and herbs. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with cheese and herbs. | recipesim.com

This lighter fettuccine Alfredo harnesses the creamy magic of cottage cheese for a sauce that tastes decadent yet feels fresh. Perfect for busy evenings or a satisfying lunch, it is a twist that will surprise anyone who thinks Alfredo has to be heavy.

I stumbled onto this version when craving comfort food on a weeknight but forgot to buy cream. My husband did not notice the swap at all and now requests it at least once a month.

Ingredients

  • Fettuccine pasta: look for bronze-cut pasta for the best sauce cling
  • Cottage cheese: use 2 percent or 4 percent for extra creaminess or nonfat for a lighter feel
  • Butter: enriches and smooths the sauce opt for unsalted to control seasoning
  • Garlic: fresh cloves give aromatic warmth choose firm bulbs with no green shoots
  • Parmesan cheese: freshly grated cheese brings intense savory flavor avoid shelf-stable pre-grated tubs
  • Ground black pepper: freshly ground for the best kick
  • Milk: unsweetened almond milk keeps it light but whole dairy or oat milk work just as well
  • Salt: brings all flavors together taste before adding extra
  • Grated parmesan for garnish: finish with quality cheese for added flavor
  • Fresh parsley for garnish: brightens the dish and adds a pop of color choose flat leaf for more flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Boil salted water and cook the fettuccine just until al dente for the best texture. Swirl the pasta occasionally so it does not stick together and drain as soon as it is tender but still firm to the bite.
Prep the Aromatics and Cottage Cheese:
Separate the cottage cheese in a medium bowl. In a different small bowl add minced garlic and butter. Heat the garlic and butter together in the microwave or melt gently in a pan. This step blooms the garlic and infuses the butter.
Blend the Sauce:
Combine cottage cheese the melted garlic butter mixture grated parmesan milk and ground black pepper in a blender. Process on high for a few minutes until everything is silky smooth and creamy.
Season the Sauce:
Taste the blended Alfredo sauce and add salt gradually. Remember the parmesan brings its own saltiness so sample as you go.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Let the cooked pasta cool slightly so the sauce clings better. Pour the warm Alfredo sauce over the pasta and gently toss to coat every strand. Taste and tweak seasoning if needed.
Garnish and Serve:
Top the finished dish with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the velvety goodness.
A bowl of pasta with herbs on top. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with herbs on top. | recipesim.com

I always look forward to using robust blocks of fresh parmesan when making this. My kids love swirling the noodle ribbons and asking for second helpings. Even my picky eater asks if it is pasta night whenever he spies cottage cheese in the fridge.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat just place the portion in a pan over medium low heat and stir in a splash of milk until creamy again. Avoid boiling which can cause the sauce to separate. This dish does not freeze well as the sauce tends to curdle after thawing so enjoy it fresh for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap the fettuccine for any pasta you love. Penne rigatoni or even whole wheat noodles hold up well with this sauce. If cottage cheese is not your favorite ricotta gives a similar result though slightly less tangy. You can substitute the almond milk with any unsweetened dairy or non dairy milk. Make it gluten free by using your favorite gluten free fettuccine.

Serving Suggestions

I often serve this Alfredo with a big green salad or roasted vegetables on the side. Add grilled chicken shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein. A simple garlic bread balances the creamy noodles perfectly and soaks up any extra sauce.

A bowl of pasta with cheese and herbs. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with cheese and herbs. | recipesim.com

Cultural Context

True Italian Alfredo is just butter and parmesan but American style Alfredo is famous for its creamy richness. This version nods to tradition but lightens things so you can enjoy comfort food more often. You will be surprised how close cottage cheese brings it to the original flavor while nourishing the whole family.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I achieve a really smooth sauce?

Blend the cottage cheese thoroughly with the other sauce ingredients until completely smooth. High-speed blenders work best for a creamy result.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape can be substituted if you prefer. Just cook until al dente for best texture.

→ What can I do if the sauce is too thick?

Add extra milk gradually and blend until it reaches your desired consistency. Avoid using hot pasta water to prevent the sauce from separating.

→ How do I reheat leftovers without losing creaminess?

Reheat gently over medium-low heat, adding a little milk as needed to maintain a smooth and creamy texture.

→ Can I substitute the parmesan cheese?

Grana Padano or pecorino can be used in place of parmesan, but note that this may alter the flavor profile slightly.

Cottage Cheese Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine with cottage cheese, garlic, and parmesan, finished with a creamy, peppery sauce and fresh parsley.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 generous servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 280 grams fettuccine pasta or pasta of choice
02 240 millilitres cottage cheese, nonfat or 2%-4% fat
03 15 grams unsalted butter
04 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 25 grams parmesan cheese, finely grated
06 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 120 millilitres unsweetened almond milk or regular milk
08 Salt, to taste
09 Grated parmesan cheese, for garnish
10 Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water if needed, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 02

Place the cottage cheese in a medium mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the minced garlic and butter. Microwave both bowls for 30–45 seconds. Microwave the garlic and butter for an additional 30 seconds until fully melted and fragrant, or alternatively, gently sauté garlic in butter over low heat in a small pan.

Step 03

Transfer the cottage cheese, melted garlic butter, parmesan cheese, almond milk, and ground black pepper to a blender. Blend on high speed for 1–2 minutes until silky and completely smooth.

Step 04

Taste the blended sauce and adjust salt if needed, blending briefly to incorporate.

Step 05

Pour the Alfredo sauce over the drained pasta. Toss thoroughly to coat the fettuccine evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Step 06

Plate the fettuccine. Sprinkle with additional grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  1. Blend cottage cheese until fully smooth for the creamiest consistency.
  2. If the sauce is too thick, adjust by stirring in extra milk; avoid using hot pasta water to prevent curdling.
  3. For a thicker sauce, simmer on low heat or add more grated parmesan cheese.
  4. For best reheating, warm gently over medium-low heat and add a small amount of milk to restore creaminess.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Blender
  • Small saucepan (optional)
  • Colander

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cottage cheese, milk, butter, parmesan cheese)
  • Contains gluten (pasta, if not using gluten-free pasta)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
  • Protein: 18 g