This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying! With pasta, cottage cheese, and a rich Alfredo sauce, it’s comfort food at its best.
You know it’s a winner when your whole family asks for seconds. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Just mix, bake, and enjoy. Who knew being a chef could be so simple? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta holds the sauce well, but you can swap it for fusilli or rotini if you prefer shapes that catch the cheese. Gluten-free pasta is a great alternative too!
Cottage Cheese: For a creamier texture, use ricotta or cream cheese instead. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try silken tofu blended until smooth.
Heavy Cream or Whole Milk: Use half-and-half for a richer sauce without heavy cream. Almond or oat milk can work if you’re going for dairy-free, but be mindful of their flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can be used as dairy-free substitutes. Just adjust the salt as needed for flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can substitute in a pinch—just use about 1/8 teaspoon.
How Do I Make the Sauce Smooth and Creamy?
The key to a smooth Alfredo sauce lies in making a proper roux with the butter and flour. This early step thickens the sauce, preventing separation later.
- Melt butter over medium heat, add minced garlic, and cook for about a minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the melted butter, whisking continuously for 1-2 minutes. This helps absorb the fat and cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the cream (or milk) while continually stirring to avoid lumps. It should start to thicken after 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the cheeses once the sauce is thickened; this will help create a creamy texture. Patience is key to avoid curdling, so keep your heat low when melting the cheese!
Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for extra topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta bake requires about 15 minutes for preparation, and you’ll need an additional 25 minutes for baking. So, you’re looking at a total of about 40 minutes to enjoy a hearty and creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pasta bake cooks evenly and becomes golden and bubbly.
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Next, sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and garlic, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken your sauce.
4. Make the Creamy Alfredo:
Gradually pour in the heavy cream (or milk), whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Allow the sauce to cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low and mix in the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheeses melt completely into a smooth sauce.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Now, take the cooked pasta and combine it with the creamy Alfredo-cottage cheese sauce. Stir well to make sure every piece of pasta is coated evenly in that delicious sauce.
6. Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. If you want to add an extra cheesy layer, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Dig into your creamy, cheesy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Regular Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat penne will work just as well in this recipe, adding a bit more fiber and a nutty flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as whole wheat pasta may take a minute or two longer to become al dente.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, as it uses cottage cheese and no meat. You can also add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed, rather than the microwave, to help keep the texture intact.
Can I Freeze the Pasta Bake?
Yes, you can freeze the Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake! Just make sure to let it cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It should last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
