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Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.1 from 15 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, protein-packed twist on the classic comfort food by incorporating low-fat cottage cheese and sharp cheddar, blended into a smooth, cheesy sauce that coats tender elbow macaroni. Perfect for a quick, nutritious weeknight dinner, this dish combines ease with wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (regular, whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta works)

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk (or whole milk)
  • 1 1/2 cups low fat cottage cheese (any kind will work)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 10 oz sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta thoroughly without rinsing it.
  2. Prepare the cheese mixture: While the pasta cooks, combine the evaporated milk, low fat cottage cheese, kosher salt, and paprika in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, ensuring a creamy sauce base.
  3. Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, toss the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese with the cornstarch to coat evenly. Place the saucepan over medium heat and gradually stir in the blended cottage cheese mixture. Stir or whisk constantly, heating the sauce until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring gently until all pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.
  5. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the mac and cheese and add additional kosher salt if needed. Serve warm as a comforting and nutritious meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute evaporated milk with whole milk for a lighter sauce or cream for richer texture.
  • Using freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese helps the sauce melt smoothly without becoming grainy.
  • Reserve pasta water contains starch which helps to adjust sauce consistency and improve coating on pasta.
  • Feel free to experiment by adding spices like garlic powder or mustard powder for extra flavor.
  • This recipe can be made gluten-free by choosing gluten-free elbow macaroni.
  • For a vegan version, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives but expect a different texture and flavor.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/cottage-cheese-mac-and-cheese-recipe/