This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake is a creamy and cheesy delight! It mixes pasta with tasty cottage cheese and Alfredo sauce, making every bite oh-so-rich and comforting.
Seriously, who can say no to cheesy goodness? I love serving it with a side salad. It makes a perfect dinner that’s easy to whip up and sure to please everyone at the table!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This type of pasta holds the sauce well, making it a great choice. Don’t have penne? Try rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle for a fun twist.
Cottage Cheese: Look for small curd for a smoother texture. If you’re not a fan, ricotta or Greek yogurt make good substitutes, offering a different flavor profile.
Heavy Cream: If you want to lighten things up a bit, swap in half-and-half or use a plant-based cream. Coconut cream could add a unique flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you don’t have it, look for Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a sharper taste, but pre-minced or garlic powder works if you’re short on time. Just reduce the amount if using garlic powder.
Nutmeg: This spice adds depth, but it’s optional. If you’re not a fan, leave it out! A small pinch can also be replaced by ground cinnamon for a different hint of warmth.
How Can I Make a Creamy Sauce Without Clumps?
To achieve a smooth and creamy Alfredo sauce, focus on making the roux correctly. A roux is a simple mixture of flour and fat (like butter) that thickens sauces. Follow these steps:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat before adding oil and butter. This ensures they melt evenly.
- Add the flour all at once, stirring constantly for about a minute until it’s blended smoothly into the fat.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Make sure to add them slowly, allowing each addition to incorporate before adding more.
- Keep stirring until the sauce thickens; patience is key! If it doesn’t thicken as desired, let it cook a bit longer on low heat.
With these tips in mind, you’ll get a creamy sauce every time, making your pasta bake truly delicious!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cottage cheese (preferably small curd)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of baking time, for a total of around 40 minutes. It’s an enjoyable and straightforward dish to assemble!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your pasta bake is ready to go in.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it until al dente, following the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Just be careful not to let it brown!
4. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter mixture in the skillet, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to make a roux. Then, gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens. This should take about 4-5 minutes. It’s all coming together!
5. Add Cheese and Season:
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the mixture is smooth. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if you’re using it.
6. Combine the Cheeses:
In a medium bowl, mix the cottage cheese with about half of the shredded mozzarella. This will give your pasta bake a delicious cheesy flavor!
7. Mix Everything Together:
Gently fold the cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce, ensuring it’s wonderfully coated. Then, mix in the cottage cheese and mozzarella mixture until everything is evenly combined.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the hearty pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, making sure it’s spread out evenly.
9. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and some extra grated Parmesan on top. This will create a beautiful cheesy crust when baked!
10. Bake It Up:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish your pasta bake with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor before serving.
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake! It’s sure to be a family favorite!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the texture and creaminess might be slightly different, so you may want to adjust the amount of heavy cream or milk to achieve your desired consistency.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream for a similar richness.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini can enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the garlic before making the sauce, or steam them separately and mix them in with the pasta.
