Print

Creamy Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

creamy cottage cheese mac and cheese - featured image
Print Recipe

This creamy cottage cheese mac and cheese is a healthy, high-protein twist on the classic comfort food. Blending cottage cheese with sharp cheddar creates a velvety, protein-packed sauce that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni (or shells, rotini, or whole wheat pasta)
  • 1 1/2 cups (360g) small-curd, full-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk (or 2% or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) Greek yogurt (optional, or sour cream)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 7–9 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  2. Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and rinse with warm water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, milk, Greek yogurt (if using), salt, black pepper, garlic powder, mustard powder (if using), and paprika (if using). Blend until completely smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
  4. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Pour in the blended cottage cheese mixture. Stir gently with a whisk or spatula.
  5. Add shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, whisking until melted and smooth, about 3–5 minutes. Do not let the sauce boil.
  6. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk. If it looks grainy, keep whisking until smooth.
  7. Add the drained macaroni to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Fold gently until all noodles are coated.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if desired. For extra richness, stir in another tablespoon of Greek yogurt or a pat of butter.
  9. Serve hot in bowls. For a baked version, transfer to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheddar or breadcrumbs, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

For best results, blend the cottage cheese thoroughly for a smooth sauce. Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting. Add-ins like steamed broccoli, peas, or cooked chicken can boost nutrition and flavor. For gluten-free, use GF pasta. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, cottage cheese, high protein, healthy, easy, comfort food, vegetarian, kid friendly, weeknight dinner, creamy

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/creamy-cottage-cheese-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-healthy-and-high-protein/