Description

Best Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a creamy, protein-packed twist on the classic comfort food. With cottage cheese, sharp cheddar, and elbow pasta, this healthier mac and cheese is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings. Easy, wholesome, and irresistibly cheesy.

Ingredients

1 cup elbow macaroni

1 cup cottage cheese

1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

½ cup whole milk

2 tablespoons butter

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic powder and Dijon mustard.

3. Add the cottage cheese and milk, stirring until everything is warmed through and combined.

4. (Optional) Blend the sauce using an immersion blender or regular blender if a smoother texture is desired.

5. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until evenly coated. Let sit for a couple of minutes to thicken.

7. Serve warm and creamy.

Notes

This mac and cheese reheats beautifully with a splash of milk.

For extra protein, stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or peas.

Use an oven-safe dish and broil for a crispy cheesy top.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 360
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 60mg