Description
This Comforting Cottage Cheese Alfredo Bake is a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole perfect for a cozy dinner. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce made with cottage cheese, milk, and Parmesan, layered with cooked chicken and mozzarella, then baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley. It’s an easy, satisfying dish that combines classic flavors in a wholesome baked pasta meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
Pasta and Chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving some broth, and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cottage cheese and milk, stirring well to combine. Slowly add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked pasta with the cooked chicken and the Alfredo sauce until everything is well coated.
- Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting casserole.
Notes
- Use low-fat cottage cheese and reduced-fat mozzarella for a lighter version of this dish.
- If chicken broth is not available, vegetable broth or water can be used, but chicken broth adds more flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For added vegetables, consider mixing in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms before baking.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free if needed.
