4.6 from 72 votes
Super Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Super Creamy Macaroni and Cheese uses a blend of cottage cheese, half-and-half, and sharp cheddar to achieve an extra creamy sauce. The sauce is blended smooth before being combined with slightly undercooked elbow pasta, resulting in a rich yet smooth texture. Spices like dry mustard, cayenne, nutmeg, and white pepper add subtle depth without overpowering the cheese flavor.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
4
servings
Calories:
1148 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (not lowfat)
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder dry
- 1 cayenne pepper pinch
- 1 nutmeg pinch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk not 2%, 1% or skim, whole
- 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese do not buy pre-grated, the additive will make pasta grainy
- 1 pound elbow pasta , cooked three minutes shy of the directions on the box but don't rinse the pasta or the pan
- parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender add the cottage cheese, half and half, dry mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and salt and pepper together until the mixture is completely smooth (even if you think it is smooth, give it an extra 15 seconds, you want it smooth or your pasta will taste grainy).
- In a large pot (the one you drained the pasta in, don't rinse the pan before adding the ingredients), add the butter, cheddar cheese, milk and pasta.
- Stir together until the butter is fully melted, then add in the cottage cheese mixture.
- On a very low heat simmer the pasta a few minutes (I would say no more than 5) until it is as thick and creamy as you like, then serve immediately.
- Leftovers won't be as creamy since the pasta will soak up liquids as it sits.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Blend the cottage cheese mixture thoroughly to avoid grainy texture in the sauce.
- Use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese for a smooth sauce, avoiding pre-grated varieties with additives.
- Do not rinse pasta after cooking to retain starch for sauce adherence.
- Serve immediately as leftovers may lose creaminess due to liquid absorption.
Nutrition Information
Calories
1148kcal
(57%)
Carbohydrates
93g
(31%)
Protein
52g
(104%)
Fat
62g
(95%)
Saturated Fat
37g
(185%)
Cholesterol
186mg
(62%)
Sodium
1634mg
(68%)
Potassium
577mg
(12%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
8g
(16%)
Vitamin A
1875IU
(38%)
Vitamin C
0.6mg
(1%)
Calcium
1021mg
(102%)
Iron
2.3mg
(13%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1148
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 1148kcal | 57% |
| Carbohydrates | 93g | 31% |
| Protein | 52g | 104% |
| Fat | 62g | 95% |
| Saturated Fat | 37g | 185% |
| Cholesterol | 186mg | 62% |
| Sodium | 1634mg | 68% |
| Potassium | 577mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1875IU | 38% |
| Vitamin C | 0.6mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 1021mg | 102% |
| Iron | 2.3mg | 13% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.