Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe
This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy comfort food dish featuring tender pasta baked in a homemade Alfredo sauce made with cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s easy to prepare and customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley or spinach
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly golden, creating a roux.
- Add the milk: Slowly whisk in the milk to the roux, continuously stirring until the mixture is smooth and thickens slightly.
- Incorporate cheeses: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the cottage cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the grated Parmesan. Season with salt and black pepper, mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Bake the dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ⅔ cup mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley or spinach if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter version of the dish.
- Mix in cooked chicken, broccoli, or mushrooms to add protein and vegetables.
- Allow the baked pasta to rest for 5 minutes after baking so it firms up and slices more easily.
