Creamy Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Creamy Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese recipe offers a deliciously smooth and cheesy twist on the classic comfort dish by incorporating low-fat cottage cheese for extra creaminess and protein. Ready in just 30 minutes, this wholesome and flavorful macaroni and cheese makes for a perfect weeknight dinner that’s satisfying and simple to prepare.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk (whole or low-fat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Heat the dairy: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese and 1 cup of milk. Warm them together, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot and slightly bubbly but not boiling.
- Melt the cheddar cheese: Gradually stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the warmed milk and cottage cheese mixture. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce in the saucepan. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing well to incorporate the seasoning throughout the dish.
- Serve hot: Plate the mac and cheese while hot. Optionally, drizzle with some additional melted cheddar cheese for extra richness before serving.
Notes
- For an extra creamy texture, you can blend the cottage cheese before adding it to the milk.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute the elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like shells or penne.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Keywords: creamy mac and cheese, cottage cheese mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, quick dinner, cheesy pasta, comfort food
