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High-Protein Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta

A fork lifts creamy fettuccine coated in rich cottage cheese alfredo pasta sauce, sprinkled with black pepper.
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Make a creamy, high-protein pasta sauce using cottage cheese instead of heavy cream. This recipe delivers a rich Alfredo flavor with less fat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a small skillet, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Transfer the cottage cheese, cooked garlic and oil mixture, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt to a high-speed blender.
  4. Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, while blending until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Pour the blended sauce over the pasta.
  6. Toss gently to coat the pasta completely. If using, stir in the lemon juice. Heat through for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is hot. Do not boil the sauce once the cottage cheese is added.
  7. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For the smoothest sauce, use a high-powered blender. If you only have a standard blender, blend the cottage cheese first until very smooth before adding other ingredients.
  • Using low-fat cottage cheese works well, but full-fat cottage cheese yields a richer texture.
  • This sauce thickens as it cools; add more reserved pasta water when reheating.
  • Pair this protein packed pasta with grilled chicken or steamed broccoli.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/cottage-cheese-alfredo-pasta/