Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce

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This creamy cottage cheese Alfredo sauce blends cottage cheese, parmesan, and whole milk for a rich, smooth finish on your favorite pasta. Gentle herbs like basil and oregano add classic Italian flavor, while garlic powder rounds out the savory base. Everything comes together quickly: blend the sauce, warm on the stove, then toss with freshly cooked pasta. For added freshness, top your dish with more parmesan, parsley, and cracked black pepper. With a lighter, high-protein spin and just 10 simple ingredients required, it’s a wholesome, weeknight-friendly way to satisfy comfort food cravings.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:27:13 GMT
A bowl of macaroni and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of macaroni and cheese. | gracefulflavors.com

This creamy cottage cheese alfredo comes together quickly and brings comfort with every forkful. It is the perfect option when you are craving something rich and silky without feeling weighed down by a heavy sauce. Packed with protein and ready in a flash this recipe brings all the satisfying flavor of traditional alfredo but with a healthier twist.

I remember whipping up a batch after a long day and being amazed at how the cottage cheese disappeared into the sauce It has since become my go to when I want indulgence minus the fuss

Ingredients

  • Pasta: Choose your favorite shape for comfort factor Short pasta holds the sauce nicely
  • Cottage cheese: Use full fat for the creamiest texture Low fat works but the sauce is not as luscious Look for small curd cottage cheese for a smoother blend
  • Whole milk: Helps thin the sauce and adds richness Always use milk that smells fresh and is not close to the expiration date
  • Parmesan cheese: Choose freshly shredded parmesan for sharpness and creaminess Skip the pre grated kind for best melting
  • Cornstarch: Ensures a thick glossy sauce that clings to each noodle Sift it if clumpy
  • Garlic powder: Brings that classic alfredo aroma Opt for a fine powder that dissolves easily
  • Basil: Dried basil adds classic Italian herb notes Rub the leaves between your palms to release the oils
  • Oregano: Delivers another layer of herb flavor Always check your dried herbs for freshness and color
  • Salt: Essential for brightening the dairy flavors Taste the sauce before adding more
  • Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for finishing the sauce with a gentle bite

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add pasta and cook to your desired tenderness Drain and set aside but do not rinse
Blend the Sauce Ingredients:
Add cottage cheese whole milk parmesan cornstarch garlic powder basil and oregano to a blender Puree for at least one minute until completely smooth Scrape down the sides to make sure everything is mixed well
Warm the Alfredo Sauce:
Pour the blended mixture into a roomy skillet or saucepan Heat over low stirring often Warm gently for about five minutes until the sauce is glossy and thickened Be patient to avoid scorching the dairy
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the warm sauce in the pan Toss until each noodle is evenly coated with alfredo Taste for salt and black pepper and adjust as needed
Serve and Garnish:
Spoon into bowls Top with extra parmesan cheese a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a crack of fresh black pepper for extra flavor Serve right away while creamy and hot
A bowl of macaroni and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of macaroni and cheese. | gracefulflavors.com

My favorite part is how cottage cheese makes the sauce silky smooth You would never guess the base is cottage cheese One night my son was shocked when I revealed the secret and now it is all he asks for

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days The sauce will thicken when cold so add a splash of milk before reheating to loosen it You can gently warm it on the stove over low heat or pop it in the microwave for a quick meal

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have whole milk you can swap in two percent for a lighter version For extra flavor stir in a handful of chopped spinach or sun dried tomatoes Non dairy milk can work but look for one that is neutral and unsweetened Visit your cheese counter for genuine Parmigiano Reggiano if you want the real Italian touch

Serving Suggestions

Pair your cottage cheese alfredo with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread For a complete meal toss in grilled chicken roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms Just a sprinkle of lemon zest brings a bright finish

A bowl of macaroni and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of macaroni and cheese. | gracefulflavors.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese instead of full fat?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese can be used, but the sauce may be less creamy. For the richest flavor and texture, whole milk cottage cheese is recommended.

→ Is it necessary to blend the sauce ingredients?

Blending ensures a smooth sauce without curds from the cottage cheese. This step creates a traditional Alfredo texture.

→ Can I substitute the pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat varieties?

Absolutely! Use any pasta type you prefer—gluten-free, whole grain, or even alternative noodles work well with this sauce.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from curdling when heating?

Keep the heat low and stir frequently while warming the sauce. Avoid boiling to maintain a velvety consistency.

→ What additional toppings work well with this dish?

Try extra parmesan, fresh herbs such as parsley, cracked black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce

Creamy, high-protein Alfredo sauce with cottage cheese, parmesan, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (1 large pan Alfredo pasta)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Pasta

01 8 ounces dry pasta of choice

→ Alfredo Sauce

02 1 cup whole milk cottage cheese
03 180 milliliters whole milk
04 60 grams shredded Parmesan cheese
05 1 teaspoon cornstarch
06 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
08 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
09 Salt, to taste
10 Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Prepare the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a blender, combine cottage cheese, whole milk, shredded Parmesan cheese, cornstarch, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano. Blend until a smooth and creamy consistency is reached.

Step 03

Pour the blended sauce into a large pan and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Step 04

Add the drained pasta to the pan of Alfredo sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 05

Transfer to serving plates and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Blending the sauce ingredients ensures a smooth, creamy texture without any curds from the cottage cheese.
  2. Opt for bronze-cut or high-protein pasta for added nutritional value and better sauce adherence.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Blender
  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk and cheese (dairy).
  • Contains wheat (gluten) if using traditional pasta.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 55 g
  • Protein: 21 g