Description

This Comforting Cottage Cheese Alfredo Bake is a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole perfect for family dinners. The rich Alfredo sauce made with cottage cheese, milk, butter, and Parmesan cheese blends beautifully with tender penne pasta and cooked chicken, all baked to golden perfection under a blanket of melted mozzarella. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s an inviting, hearty dish that combines comfort and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

2 cups cottage cheese
1 cup milk
3 tbsp butter
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3/4 tsp garlic powder
4 cups chicken broth

Main Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a little broth.
Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add cottage cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved broth or milk to adjust the consistency.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix well so that the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
For a richer sauce, use whole milk or add a splash of cream.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.