Description
This Italian Cottage Cheese Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a creamy and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breast with a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce made lighter and healthier by using cottage cheese. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and seasoned with classic Italian herbs and a hint of nutmeg, this recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional Alfredo that is both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.25 lbs chicken breast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp oil
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 cup pasta water (reserved after cooking pasta)
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 4 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Heat 2 tsp of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and slice into strips or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup cottage cheese, 2 cups milk, 4 tbsp Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, a pinch of nutmeg, and 1 tsp lemon juice. Blend until smooth to create a creamy sauce.
- Cook the Sauce: Pour the blended sauce mixture into the same skillet used for the chicken over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and is heated through.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Italian Cottage Cheese Chicken Alfredo Pasta immediately, garnished optionally with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water carefully, as it helps to thin the sauce and adds flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of pasta water or cook the sauce a bit longer.
- Fresh parsley or basil can be added as garnishes for additional flavor and color.
- Use whole milk for a creamier sauce; milk alternatives can be tried but may alter consistency.
- This recipe can be adapted to gluten-free pasta for gluten sensitivity.
