Description
Cottage cheese mac and cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on the classic dish, offering a rich flavor profile without the guilt. This simple recipe combines elbow macaroni with protein-packed cottage cheese and sharp cheddar for an indulgent yet nutritious meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in milk. Add shredded cheddar until melted and combined.
- Stir in cottage cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese mixture until evenly coated.
- For baked mac and cheese, transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with extra cheddar, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Experiment with additional toppings like breadcrumbs or paprika for extra crunch and flavor. Feel free to customize by adding vegetables or proteins such as broccoli or grilled chicken.