This Creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce is a tasty twist on the classic! It’s smooth and rich without being too heavy, thanks to the cottage cheese that gives it a creamy texture.
You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up! I love to toss it with pasta, and my family always asks for seconds. Perfect for nights when you want comfort food without the guilt! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta shape holds the sauce well, but any pasta you like works. Fusilli, rotini, or even fettuccine can be used instead. Whole wheat or gluten-free options are also great substitutions if needed!
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is a lean choice here. For a quicker option, you could use rotisserie chicken or even chickpeas for a meatless variation. Think about herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor!
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese delivers creaminess with less fat. If you prefer, you can swap it for ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Just make sure it’s blended smoothly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth to the sauce. Pecorino Romano is a good alternative. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan Parmesan cheeses available at many grocery stores.
How Do You Blend a Smooth Sauce?
Getting a creamy sauce from cottage cheese requires blending it into a smooth consistency. Here’s how to do it easily:
- In your blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan, milk, and Italian seasoning.
- Start blending on low speed, gradually increasing to high until it’s smooth.
- If it’s too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
This technique ensures your sauce is creamy without any lumps, giving that classic Alfredo feel!
Creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce with Penne Pasta and Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried parsley flakes
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and easy dinner option. Totaling around 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Penne Pasta:
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute or until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn as it can turn bitter.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In your blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, and Italian seasoning. Blend until smooth and creamy—this will give you that delicious Alfredo texture!
5. Combine Sauce and Chicken:
Pour the blended cottage cheese sauce into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce is warmed through and slightly thickened. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Mix Everything Together:
Add the cooked chicken pieces and drained pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are nicely coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your creamy cottage cheese Alfredo immediately, garnished with the chopped fresh parsley and any extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this lighter Alfredo dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad!
This creamy cottage cheese Alfredo sauce provides a delightful alternative, offering a smooth and rich flavor perfect for a comforting meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer such as fettuccine, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta. Just cook it according to the package instructions for the best results.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables! You can sauté some mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers in the olive oil to enhance the flavor and keep it hearty.
Can I Make This Saucer Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat before mixing in the pasta and chicken. You may need to add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
