Cottage Cheese Alfredo

Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedInLast Tuesday, my teenager walked into the kitchen while I was blending cottage cheese for dinner and gave me that look – you know the one. “Mom, …

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sarah thompson for recipes by clare
By Sarah Thompson
Updated on Thu, 17 Jul 2025 22:01:50 GMT

Last Tuesday, my teenager walked into the kitchen while I was blending cottage cheese for dinner and gave me that look – you know the one. “Mom, please tell me you’re not trying to make something healthy taste good again.” Twenty minutes later, he was scraping the bowl clean asking for seconds of my cottage cheese Alfredo. Sometimes the best victories come from the most skeptical critics.

Traditional Alfredo sauce originated in Rome in the early 1900s, created by restaurateur Alfredo di Lelio using just butter, Parmesan, and pasta water. This cottage cheese version transforms the classic into a protein powerhouse while maintaining that rich, creamy texture we all crave. The secret lies in blending the cottage cheese until perfectly smooth, creating an indulgent sauce that happens to pack 18 grams of protein per serving.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Alfredo

I’ve served this recipe to countless dinner guests who had no idea they were eating cottage cheese until I told them. The blending technique creates an incredibly smooth, restaurant-quality sauce that rivals any heavy cream version. You’ll get 18 grams of protein per serving without adding any meat, making it perfect for those nights when you want comfort food that actually fuels your body. The recipe comes together in under 20 minutes using ingredients you probably already have in your fridge. My family loves how versatile it is – we’ve used it with chicken, shrimp, and even as a dip for breadsticks. The best part is how it reheats beautifully, so leftovers actually taste better the next day.

Storage & Serving Tips

Store leftover cottage cheese Alfredo in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. Pro tip: I recommend reheating it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of milk to restore that silky texture. Never microwave on high heat, as this can cause the sauce to separate. For best results, let your pasta cool for about five minutes before mixing with the sauce to prevent any curdling. This sauce works beautifully with any pasta shape, but I especially love it with fettuccine or penne. Try adding grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli to make it a complete meal that satisfies the whole family.

Conclusion

This cottage cheese Alfredo proves that healthy swaps don’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. The protein boost makes it perfect for active families, while the creamy texture satisfies those comfort food cravings. Give this recipe a try tonight, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how delicious nutritious can actually taste.

Cottage Cheese Alfredo

High-protein Alfredo sauce made with cottage cheese that delivers 18g protein per serving with restaurant-quality taste
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 10 oz fettuccine pasta or pasta of choice
  • 1 cup cottage cheese nonfat, but 2% or 4% works too
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 0.5 cup milk chilled, unsweetened almond milk recommended
  • 1 pinch salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon grated parmesan to garnish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley to garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Blender
  • Medium microwave-safe bowl
  • Small microwave-safe bowl

Method
 

  1. Cook the fettuccine pasta to al dente according to package directions. Don’t forget to add salt to the water!
  2. Add cottage cheese to a medium bowl, and minced garlic and butter to a separate small bowl. Gently microwave both bowls for about 30-45 seconds.
  3. Heat the garlic and butter an extra 30 seconds until butter is fully melted and bubbly. (Alternative: sauté garlic in butter in a pan)
  4. Add the cottage cheese, garlic and butter, grated parmesan, milk, and ground black pepper to a blender and blend for 1-2 minutes until perfectly smooth.
  5. Taste the cottage cheese Alfredo sauce and add salt if needed.
  6. When pasta is cooked, drain it and allow it to sit for 5 minutes to cool a little.
  7. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the pasta and mix well.
  8. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
  9. Garnish with extra grated parmesan and fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Notes

Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop with splash of milk. Not recommended for freezing as texture becomes grainy. Blend cottage cheese until absolutely smooth for best texture.
High Protein Cottage Cheese Alfredo 18g Protein Per Serving

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