Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines tender penne pasta with a smooth, cheesy sauce made from cottage cheese and Parmesan. This bake is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings for rich, homemade Italian flavors.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
3. Step 3: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Pour the blended sauce into the skillet with the garlic and heat gently, stirring to combine and warm the sauce through.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat it evenly with the sauce.
6. Step 6: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use part-skim cottage cheese for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
• Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.
• Swap penne with rigatoni or fusilli to hold the sauce differently.
• For a crispier top, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if the pasta seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese adds creaminess with less fat and a subtle texture. Using only regular cheese may result in a denser sauce, so it’s best to keep the cottage cheese or choose a creamy alternative like ricotta.

Is it possible to freeze the pasta bake?

Yes, you can freeze the baked pasta. Let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 79 reviews

A creamy and comforting Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake featuring tender penne pasta blended with a smooth cottage cheese and Parmesan sauce, baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly top and garnished with fresh parsley.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Pasta Bake
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta

Sauce

• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn it.
3. Prepare Sauce: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Heat Sauce: Pour the blended sauce into the skillet with the sautéed garlic and gently heat through over medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked penne pasta in the skillet to thoroughly coat it with the Alfredo sauce. Then transfer everything into a greased baking dish.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the pasta bake is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, then serve hot.

Notes

• You can substitute penne pasta with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli for variation.
• For a richer sauce, use whole milk or add a splash of cream.
• To enhance flavor, consider adding cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms before baking.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and taste.

Keywords: cottage cheese pasta bake, alfredo pasta bake, creamy penne bake, vegetarian pasta recipe, baked pasta with cheese sauce