Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese (High Protein!)
User Reviews
5
Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese (High Protein!)
Description
This recipe transforms traditional mac and cheese by incorporating cottage cheese and milk into a blended sauce with cornstarch, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. The blending process creates a creamy texture that cooks down over medium-low heat with butter to a gently thickened consistency. Once combined with al dente elbow macaroni, it delivers a balanced cheesy dish with added protein from the cottage cheese. The seasonings—including onion powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper—enhance the flavor with mild savory notes.
Cooking the pasta slightly less than package instructions allows it to finish cooking in the cheese sauce and stay firm when reheated. Freshly grated cheese ensures smooth melting and a richer taste. This mac and cheese suits those looking for hearty protein content and can be customized by swapping in different cheeses or adding vegetables and meats.
Note that this dish stores well refrigerated for several days and benefits from reheating gently to maintain sauce creaminess. It's also adaptable for dietary restrictions by substituting gluten-free pasta or dairy-free alternatives as needed.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese whole milk, 180g
- 3/4 cup milk 2%
- 1.5 Tbsp cornstarch 12g
- 3 oz. cheddar cheese freshly shredded, sharp
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp butter unsalted, 14g
- 1 oz. Parmesan Cheese freshly shredded or grated
Instructions
- Add water to a pot and bring to a boil. Salt to taste. Once boiling, add pasta and cook according to package directions. Then rinse, drain and set aside.
- In a blender or with an immersion blender, combine the cottage cheese, milk, cornstarch, cheddar cheese, and seasonings. Blend until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once almost melted, transfer the cheese sauce to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and has thickened some.
- Allow the cheese sauce to cool down some (wait until it's done bubbling), then add the macaroni in. Then remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese.
- Taste and add any additional salt, pepper or seasoning to taste. Sprinkle with more parmesan cheese to serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For gluten-free versions, use gluten-free pasta alternatives.
- Replace dairy products with suitable dairy-free options, including substituting cottage cheese with dairy-free ricotta.
- Leftovers keep well for 4-5 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Enhance protein by adding cooked chicken or kid-friendly hot dogs.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack or goat cheese for varied flavors.
- Incorporate vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli to boost fiber and nutrients.
- Add hot sauce or buffalo sauce to the cheese blend for a spicy twist.
- Cooking pasta slightly under package instructions prevents mushiness after combining with sauce.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better and contributes to a smoother texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 269 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2/3 cup (146g) | |
| Calories | 269kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 9.6g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 5.3g | 27% |
| Fiber | 1.4g | 6% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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