Name: Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini); 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1/4 cup milk (or pasta water); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Optional: 1 cup chopped spinach, peas, or cooked chicken; Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Cottage cheese Alfredo pasta bake is one of my favorite cozy meals—creamy, cheesy, and surprisingly light thanks to the use of protein-rich cottage cheese. It’s a clever spin on traditional Alfredo, baked into a bubbly, golden pasta dish that’s both comforting and wholesome. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a make-ahead meal the whole family loves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms cottage cheese into a velvety, rich sauce without the need for heavy cream. It’s still creamy and indulgent, but with a boost of protein and less guilt. The bake comes out golden and bubbly on top, with perfectly cooked pasta underneath. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s easy to prep and endlessly satisfying. Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well)
Cottage cheese
Parmesan cheese, grated
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Garlic, minced
Olive oil or butter
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning
Milk (or a splash of pasta water to adjust consistency)
Optional: spinach, peas, or cooked chicken for add-ins
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
I cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a skillet, I heat olive oil or butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
In a blender or food processor, I blend cottage cheese, Parmesan, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
I stir the garlic into the blended sauce, then combine the sauce with the cooked pasta in a large bowl.
I fold in any add-ins (like spinach or chicken), then pour everything into the baking dish.
I top the pasta with shredded mozzarella and a bit more Parmesan.
I bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
I let it cool slightly before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings. It takes 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, so I usually have it ready in around 40 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add steamed broccoli or roasted mushrooms for a veggie boost. I’ve also made it with whole-wheat pasta or gluten-free noodles depending on what I have. For extra protein, I stir in cooked chicken or crumbled turkey sausage.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until hot. If the pasta seems dry, I add a splash of milk before reheating. It also freezes well if I want to make it ahead. Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake

FAQs

Can I taste the cottage cheese?

Not at all—the cottage cheese blends into a smooth, creamy sauce and takes on the flavor of the garlic and seasonings.

Can I make it without a blender?

Yes, I mash the cottage cheese with a fork for a chunkier texture, or use a hand mixer. It won’t be as smooth, but still tastes great.

Is this a good make-ahead dish?

Absolutely. I assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, I’ve made it with both low-fat and full-fat cottage cheese. Full-fat gives a creamier result, but both work well.

What can I serve with it?

I love pairing it with a crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to round out the meal.

Conclusion

Cottage cheese Alfredo pasta bake is the kind of meal that’s comforting, filling, and surprisingly nourishing. It’s creamy without being heavy, easy to throw together, and customizable to whatever I have in the kitchen. Whether I’m feeding the family or prepping lunch for the week, this pasta bake is always a hit.