Name: Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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

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Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake is a creamy and comforting dish that brings together simple ingredients for a delicious meal. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a lighter twist on classic Alfredo with cottage cheese.

The image shows a white baking dish filled with baked penne pasta covered in a creamy, melted cheese layer. The penne pasta is light yellow and scattered throughout the dish, slightly browned in some places where the cheese has melted and crisped on top. The cheese layer is smooth and creamy with some golden brown spots from baking, sprinkled with small green parsley bits and black pepper flakes. The baking dish is placed on a white marbled surface with some parsley pieces around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 3: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Pour the blended sauce into the skillet with the garlic and heat gently until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta evenly. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, stir in 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella before baking to create a gooey topping.
Use part-skim cottage cheese to reduce fat without losing creaminess.
Add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the pasta for a nutritious boost.
If you don’t have a blender, mash the cottage cheese well and whisk with the other sauce ingredients until smooth.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or bake leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish filled with baked penne pasta layered with creamy melted cheese that has golden-brown spots on top, sprinkled with chopped green parsley and cracked black pepper. The penne pasta is pale yellow with smooth texture, mixed evenly with the rich, gooey cheese sauce that fills the gaps. Some cheese is slightly browned and bubbly around the edges, giving a crispy texture. There are small bits of parsley scattered on and around the dish on a white marbled surface, with a light cloth partially visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure pasta is al dente.

Is the sauce suitable for freezing?

The full casserole can be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as instructed.