High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on the classic dish, packed with extra protein from cottage cheese. It’s a quick and easy stovetop recipe that combines tender pasta with a rich cheddar sauce and nutritious cottage cheese, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups pasta (macaroni, penne, or fusilli)
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the garlic powder, then gradually add the whole milk, mixing continuously until the mixture is smooth. Slowly stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts completely, forming a creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta and cottage cheese: Return the cooked and drained pasta to its pot. Add the cottage cheese and then pour the cheddar cheese sauce over the top. Stir thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and cottage cheese is well incorporated.
- Heat through: Place the pot over low heat and gently warm the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally, taking care not to let the sauce boil, ensuring it stays smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the mac and cheese warm. Optionally, garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese based on your preference for creaminess and calorie content.
- For a smoother sauce, you can blend the cottage cheese before mixing it with the pasta.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially if using salted butter or aged cheddar cheese.
- Try different pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, penne, or fusilli to vary texture.
- Optional herbs like parsley or chives can be added as garnish for extra color and flavor.
Keywords: high protein mac and cheese, cottage cheese mac and cheese, healthy mac and cheese, quick stovetop recipe, cheesy pasta
