Cottage Cheese Mac Cheese (Printable version)

High-protein creamy mac with blended cottage cheese, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan flavors.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 10.5 oz elbow macaroni or other short pasta
02 - 1 tsp salt for pasta water

→ Sauce

03 - 14 oz low-fat cottage cheese
04 - ½ cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
05 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2 tbsp cream cheese
08 - ½ tsp garlic powder
09 - ½ tsp onion powder
10 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
11 - ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
12 - Salt to taste

→ Topping (optional)

13 - 2 tbsp chopped chives or parsley
14 - ¼ cup toasted breadcrumbs

# How-To Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
02 - Combine cottage cheese, milk, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until entirely smooth and creamy.
03 - Pour the blended mixture into a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Cook gently, stirring continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until cheeses melt and sauce is smooth. Avoid boiling.
04 - Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat all pasta evenly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
05 - Serve immediately, garnished with chopped chives or parsley and toasted breadcrumbs as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • A sauce so creamy it rivals the heavy cream versions, but with real protein that keeps you satisfied.
  • Ready in 30 minutes, making it a weeknight hero when you want something that feels homemade and intentional.
  • Secretly wholesome enough to feel like you're doing something right while eating comfort food.
02 -
  • Blend your cottage cheese mixture until completely smooth or your sauce will have a grainy texture that no amount of stirring can fix.
  • Keep the heat low when melting cheese; high heat will break the sauce and leave you with separated, oily results that look unappetizing.
03 -
  • Make the cottage cheese mixture ahead and store it in the fridge; blend it fresh when you're ready to cook, and dinner comes together in 20 minutes flat.
  • If your sauce seems too thick after adding pasta, thin it with a splash of warm milk rather than adding more cheese—this keeps the flavor balanced.
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