Description
A creamy and nutritious twist on the classic mac and cheese, this High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese combines tender pasta with a rich cheddar sauce and the added protein boost of cottage cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and wholesome meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups pasta (macaroni, penne, or fusilli)
Dairy and Sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the garlic powder and then gradually add the milk, stirring continuously until smooth. Slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, whisking until fully melted into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained pasta and cottage cheese to the pot. Pour the cheddar cheese sauce over and stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Heat Through: Place the pot back on low heat and warm the mixture gently for 2-3 minutes without boiling, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the mac and cheese warm, optionally garnished with extra shredded cheddar or fresh herbs of your choice for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese based on your preference for creaminess and calorie content.
- To add extra flavor, consider mixing in chopped herbs such as chives or parsley before serving.
- Ensure not to boil the mixture after adding the cheese sauce to prevent curdling or separation.
- This dish can be made with gluten-free pasta to adapt it for gluten-sensitive diets.
