Description
A quick, high-protein macaroni and cheese made by blending cottage cheese into a smooth, creamy sauce with sharp cheddar. Ready in under 15 minutes, this recipe offers the comfort of traditional mac and cheese without the heavy digestion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or cavatappi/rotini)
- 1 cup full-fat small-curd cottage cheese
- 1 to 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup whole milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Reserved starchy pasta water (about 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (7-8 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In a blender, combine cottage cheese, milk, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Warm gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until warm and slightly frothy. Do not boil vigorously.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Add the drained hot pasta to the saucepan and toss until every noodle is coated. Serve immediately, or transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs/cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Notes
Use full-fat small-curd cottage cheese for the best creaminess. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as anti-caking agents can prevent smooth melting. If the sauce breaks, whisk in a tablespoon of cold milk to bring it back together. For a baked version, top with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: cottage cheese mac, mac and cheese, high protein dinner, quick weeknight meals, healthy comfort food, easy pasta recipe, gluten-free option