This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake is a cozy hug in a dish! Creamy cottage cheese mixed with rich Alfredo sauce and pasta makes it a satisfying meal. You can add veggies or your favorite protein too!
Honestly, it’s cheesy and baked just right. I love how this dish is both filling and easy to whip up, perfect for those busy weeknights. Plus, who can resist that golden top? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This recipe calls for penne, but you can easily swap it with rotini, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if needed! Each type adds its own texture and fun to the dish.
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese adds creaminess and richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat works too. You can even use ricotta, but it will change the dish’s texture slightly.
Cheeses (Mozzarella and Parmesan): I love using shredded mozzarella for its stretchiness and taste. For Parmesan, always go for freshly grated if you can! If you’re out, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute.
Alfredo Sauce: You can make homemade Alfredo but store-bought works just fine for convenience. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, some brands offer vegan Alfredo sauces!
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy Consistency?
Mixing all the ingredients well is crucial for achieving that creamy texture. After cooking the pasta, make sure it’s still a bit firm (al dente) since it will continue to cook in the oven.
- After sautéing the garlic, add it directly to the mixing bowl for maximum flavor.
- When combining the ingredients, stir gently until everything is well-coated with the sauce—it helps with even cooking and avoids clumps.
Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta bake will take about 15 minutes for prep time and around 30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes to create this wholesome meal. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be ready when your pasta bake is assembled!
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed garlic, cottage cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, the Alfredo sauce, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauces.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread out for even baking.
6. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. This will create a delicious cheesy crust when baked!
7. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a bubbly and golden brown top to know it’s ready.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to serve. Before diving in, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and comforting Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta Bake—perfect for sharing or savoring by yourself!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is fantastic, you can substitute it with rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just make sure to adjust cooking time as necessary to achieve an al dente texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through, adding a sprinkle of cheese on top if you’d like!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta bake ahead of time! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed.
What If I Don’t Have Alfredo Sauce?
No worries! You can make your own quick version using heavy cream, butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Just simmer 1 cup of cream with 2 tbsp of butter, add minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in ½ cup of Parmesan until melted!
