Description
Easy Cottage Cheese Fettuccine Alfredo is a healthy twist on the classic creamy Alfredo sauce, made protein-packed and simple with cottage cheese. This comforting pasta dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight meal featuring a smooth, cheesy sauce with a hint of garlic and optional fresh spinach.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1/2 lb Fettuccine noodles
Sauce
- 1 1/4 cups Cottage cheese
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/3 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese + more for garnish
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
Optional Garnishes
- 1 1/2 cups Fresh spinach (optional)
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: In a large stock pot, cook the fettuccine noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set aside the noodles and reserved water for later use.
- Prepare the sauce: While the noodles cook, combine cottage cheese, milk, shredded Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and kosher salt in a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour the blended Alfredo sauce into a large non-stick skillet. Heat over medium and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Continue cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add spinach (optional): If using fresh spinach, toss it into the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine, allowing the spinach to wilt within the creamy sauce.
- Toss noodles with sauce: Add the drained fettuccine noodles into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss well to evenly coat the noodles. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Serve: Divide the coated noodles among bowls. Garnish with additional shredded Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using cottage cheese adds extra protein and reduces fat compared to traditional heavy cream-based Alfredo.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Fresh spinach is optional but adds a nice color and nutrients.
- Garlic can be minced instead of whole cloves if preferred; blending smooths the flavor.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; omit if you prefer no heat.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of reserved pasta water added.
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free fettuccine noodles.