Healthy Cottage Cheese Chicken Alfredo
Cottage Cheese Chicken Alfredo
As a mom, I’m always on the lookout for ways to feed my kids meals that are both healthy and satisfying. One of our favorite weeknight dinners is Cottage Cheese Chicken Alfredo. It’s packed with protein, deliciously creamy, and far healthier than the traditional version. The best part?
You can make it ahead of time for meal prep or freeze it for those busy days when cooking feels impossible.
Let me walk you through this game-changing recipe that you’ll love for its simplicity and versatility.
Table of Contents
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Why Cottage Cheese Works Wonders in Alfredo
Using cottage cheese as the base for the Alfredo sauce is a mom’s secret weapon. It’s lower in fat than heavy cream but still offers a creamy texture and a boost of protein.
When blended, cottage cheese transforms into a smooth, velvety sauce that’s perfect for coating pasta and chicken. Trust me, your kids won’t even know it’s in there and they’ll love this Cottage Cheese Chicken Alfredo Recipe!
Why an Immersion Blender is your new Best Friend
If you don’t already own an immersion blender, now’s the time to invest in one. This handy tool makes blending cottage cheese into a creamy Alfredo sauce a breeze.
Just pop the ingredients into a bowl or pot, blend until smooth, and you’re good to go. No need to transfer hot liquids to a blender and risk a mess in the kitchen—a win for busy moms everywhere.
Add More Protein with Protein Pasta
To amp up the protein content even more, consider using protein-packed pasta. Brands like Banza (made from chickpeas) or Barilla Protein+ are excellent choices. These options not only provide extra protein but also add fiber, keeping your kids fuller for longer. It’s an easy swap that makes this meal even more nutritious.
Why you want to use Block Parmesan Cheese vs Pre-Shredded
When making Cottage Cheese Chicken Alfredo sauce, always go for block Parmesan cheese over the pre-shredded kind. Block Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, creating a smooth texture.
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as well, leaving your sauce with a gritty texture. A little extra effort to shred your own cheese is totally worth it.
Perfect Make-Ahead Meal for Postpartum Meal Prep
This Cottage Cheese Chicken Alfredo is a lifesaver if you’re pregnant and planning ahead for postpartum days. Make a double or even triple batch, divide it into freezer-safe containers, and label them with the date. When you’re adjusting to life with a newborn, having homemade, healthy meals ready to go will feel like a gift to yourself. Just thaw, reheat, and serve with a side of veggies or salad.
What Add-Ins should I use in this Cottage Cheese Chicken Alfredo?
This recipe is super versatile, and you can add a variety of vegetables to make it a complete one-dish meal. Here are some ideas:
- Broccoli: Steam and toss it in for extra fiber and nutrients.
- Peas: A kid-favorite that adds a touch of sweetness.
- Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the end for a dose of iron.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a savory, earthy flavor.
- Zucchini: Spiralized zucchini can even replace some of the pasta for a lighter dish.
- Bell Peppers: Roasted red peppers can be blended into the sauce for a smoky twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (use protein pasta for added nutrition)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp basil
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Directions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, cornstarch, garlic powder, basil, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper.
Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender works too.
Cook the Chicken (Optional):
If you’re adding chicken, cook it in a skillet with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
Combine:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the blended sauce over medium heat until it starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken (if using) to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Serve:
Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired. Pair with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
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How to store your Cottage Cheese Chicken Alfredo
- Counter: The cooked Alfredo should not be left out for more than 2 hours.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Cottage Cheese Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate mom-approved dinner. It’s healthy, easy to make, and versatile enough to customize with your family’s favorite add-ins.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or stocking your freezer for postpartum days, this recipe will quickly become a household staple. Give it a try, and enjoy a guilt-free Alfredo that keeps everyone satisfied!
Cottage Cheese Chicken Alfredo
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta use protein pasta for added nutrition
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp basil
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, cornstarch, garlic powder, basil, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender works too.
Cook the Chicken (Optional)
- If you’re adding chicken, cook it in a skillet with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. Add additional seasonings with different flavor profiles that you prefer.
Combine
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the blended sauce over medium heat until it starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken (if using) to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If you're adding vegetables into the pasta add those in now too.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired. Pair with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Plus if you add broccoli or other vegetables it will adjust the fiber even more
Nutrition
Tried this recipe for yourself? Leave a comment and photos below!
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Nutrition Disclaimer: Our Family Cooks is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
