This cottage cheese mac and cheese cooks up in beneath half-hour and is filled with 22 grams of protein. It’s wealthy, creamy and the right family-friendly meal for busy weeknights.
Mac and cheese is a favourite consolation meals basic for me. I really like actual deal mac and cheese, however I’m at all times on the hunt for methods to make it somewhat lighter whereas nonetheless holding that creamy, tacky goodness — and that’s precisely what this cottage cheese mac and cheese does!
Just like how I sneak in further vitamins in my vegan mac and cheese, cauliflower mac and cheese and butternut squash mac and cheese, this model provides cottage cheese so as to add a lift of protein whereas holding the sauce tremendous easy, creamy and flavorful. It’s significantly SO good – I can’t wait so that you can do this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-packed – Because of the cottage cheese, this mac and cheese has 22 grams of protein per serving, making it a extra filling than conventional mac and cheese.
- Tremendous creamy – Mixing the cottage cheese with milk and cheddar cheese creates a velvety, creamy sauce that coats the pasta completely — with no need heavy cream or butter.
- Straightforward to make – This recipe comes collectively in beneath half-hour with easy elements that you just in all probability have already got available. Good for busy weeknights!
- Household-friendly – My kiddos devoured up this mac & cheese, so I do know yours will too!
Elements Wanted
- elbow macaroni – basic mac and cheese pasta! You should use complete wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta to change issues up if wanted.
- cottage cheese – full-fat cottage cheese is essential right here for further creaminess and protein. Don’t fear, it blends easily into the sauce and also you received’t even comprehend it’s there.
- complete milk – helps create a creamy, wealthy sauce. You should use any milk you’ve available, however complete milk offers the most effective texture.
- arrowroot powder or cornstarch – helps thicken the sauce with no need a roux. It’s an awesome trick to maintain issues lighter!
- garlic & onion powder – two prerequisites that add simply the correct amount of taste to this mac and cheese.
- paprika – provides a contact of heat and colour to the sauce. You should use smoked paprika for an additional layer of taste in the event you like!
- cheddar cheese – freshly grated cheddar cheese melts finest and provides that basic tacky taste. Don’t use pre-shredded cheese because it doesn’t soften as easily.
Discover the total ingredient listing with measurements within the recipe card under.
Substitutions
- Elbow macaroni – You’ll be able to completely swap up the pasta form! Shells, penne, and even gluten-free or chickpea pasta work nice right here. Simply decide your favourite, and it’ll nonetheless be scrumptious.
- Cottage cheese – Not a fan of cottage cheese? No downside! You’ll be able to sub in ricotta and even Greek yogurt for the same creamy texture. It received’t change the general taste an excessive amount of, however you’ll nonetheless get that protein enhance.
- Complete milk – I actually love utilizing complete milk on this recipe as a result of it makes the sauce further creamy and wealthy, however in the event you don’t have any available, be at liberty to make use of no matter milk you’ve obtained. Almond, oat, or cashew milk work as a dairy-free choice, simply ensure that it’s unsweetened so the sauce doesn’t end up too candy!
- Arrowroot powder or cornstarch – If you happen to don’t have both, you can also make a fast roux by whisking 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 tablespoon of butter. It’ll thicken up the sauce identical to the arrowroot or cornstarch would.
- Vegan – We’re utilizing loads of dairy on this recipe so in the event you’re extra concerned with a vegan model I extremely suggest testing my vegan mac & cheese!
The right way to Make Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese
Making this mac & cheese is tremendous simple! Comply with these 4 easy steps and also you’ll have a comforting meal on the desk very quickly:
Step 1: Prepare dinner the pasta in response to bundle instructions. Drain and put aside.
Step 2: Mix cottage cheese, milk, cheddar, arrowroot powder, and spices till easy.
Step 3: Warmth the cheese sauce in a skillet over medium-low, whisking for 8-10 minutes till it thickens barely.
Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken earlier than serving. Take pleasure in!
Brittany’s Tip
Grate your individual cheese! I do know it’s tempting to seize the pre-shredded stuff, however belief me, freshly grated cheddar melts so a lot better. It’s value the additional jiffy, I promise.
The right way to Serve Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese
This cottage cheese mac and cheese is creamy, cozy, and actually good by itself, however in the event you’re trying to combine issues up or serve it as a part of a meal, listed here are some concepts:
- As a essential dish: I really like serving this as an entire meal, particularly with a easy aspect salad like my simple kale salad or some roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s an effective way to sneak in some further greens!
- Add a enjoyable topping: Wish to take it up a notch? Sprinkle on some toasted breadcrumbs for somewhat crunch, or drizzle with scorching sauce in the event you like issues spicy. Slightly further grated cheese by no means damage anybody both!
- Enhance with protein: You’ll be able to simply add some further protein to make it extra filling. Strive mixing in shredded rooster, crispy tempeh, and even crumbled turkey sausage. It’s a simple option to flip this mac and cheese right into a heartier meal.
- Function a aspect: If you happen to’re holding it as a aspect dish, it pairs so properly with baked or grilled proteins. I really like serving it with my grilled salmon or some air fryer rooster wings—the right consolation meal combo!
Storing Leftovers
When you’ve got leftovers (which is likely to be onerous to imagine!), retailer them in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to assist loosen the sauce and get it creamy once more. Gently reheat on the range prime or within the microwave till warmed by means of.
Continuously Requested Questions
Nope! When you mix the cottage cheese with the milk and seasonings, it turns into a brilliant easy and creamy sauce. You received’t even comprehend it’s there, promise!
You’ll be able to, however I like to recommend utilizing full-fat cottage cheese for the most effective creamy texture and taste. Low-fat variations will work, however the sauce could also be somewhat thinner and fewer wealthy.
Completely! Whereas cheddar is a basic alternative, you’ll be able to swap it up with different cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, and even a mixture of your favorites. Simply ensure that to grate your individual for the most effective soften!
Positively! You’ll be able to stir in cooked veggies like spinach, broccoli, or peas for an additional nutrient enhance. It’s a simple means so as to add some greens and colour to your mac and cheese!
Extra Pasta Recipes
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