This cottage cheese mac and cheese cooks up in beneath half-hour and is full of 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 traditional for me. I like actual deal mac and cheese, however I’m all the time on the hunt for methods to make it a bit of lighter whereas nonetheless preserving that creamy, tacky goodness — and that’s precisely what this cottage cheese mac and cheese does!
Just like how I sneak in additional 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 preserving the sauce tremendous clean, creamy and flavorful. It’s critically SO good – I can’t wait so that you can do that one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-packed – Due to 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 — without having heavy cream or butter.
- Straightforward to make – This recipe comes collectively in beneath half-hour with easy elements that you simply most likely have already got available. Good for busy weeknights!
- Household-friendly – My kiddos wolfed up this mac & cheese, so I do know yours will too!
Elements Wanted
- elbow macaroni – traditional mac and cheese pasta! You need to use entire wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta to modify issues up if wanted.
- cottage cheese – full-fat cottage cheese is vital right here for additional creaminess and protein. Don’t fear, it blends easily into the sauce and also you received’t even realize it’s there.
- entire milk – helps create a creamy, wealthy sauce. You need to use any milk you will have available, however entire milk provides the most effective texture.
- arrowroot powder or cornstarch – helps thicken the sauce without having a roux. It’s a terrific trick to maintain issues lighter!
- garlic & onion powder – two necessities that add simply the correct amount of taste to this mac and cheese.
- paprika – provides a contact of heat and coloration to the sauce. You need to use smoked paprika for an additional layer of taste for those who like!
- cheddar cheese – freshly grated cheddar cheese melts finest and offers that traditional tacky taste. Don’t use pre-shredded cheese because it doesn’t soften as easily.
Discover the total ingredient record with measurements within the recipe card beneath.
Substitutions
- Elbow macaroni – You possibly can completely change up the pasta form! Shells, penne, and even gluten-free or chickpea pasta work nice right here. Simply choose your favourite, and it’ll nonetheless be scrumptious.
- Cottage cheese – Not a fan of cottage cheese? No downside! You possibly can 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 entire milk on this recipe as a result of it makes the sauce additional creamy and wealthy, however for those who don’t have any available, be happy to make use of no matter milk you’ve received. Almond, oat, or cashew milk work as a dairy-free possibility, simply be sure it’s unsweetened so the sauce doesn’t prove too candy!
- Arrowroot powder or cornstarch – For those who 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 for those who’re extra focused on a vegan model I extremely suggest testing my vegan mac & cheese!
How one can 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: Cook dinner the pasta based on bundle instructions. Drain and put aside.
Step 2: Mix cottage cheese, milk, cheddar, arrowroot powder, and spices till clean.
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.
How one can Serve Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese
This cottage cheese mac and cheese is creamy, cozy, and truthfully excellent by itself, however for those who’re seeking to combine issues up or serve it as a part of a meal, listed below are some concepts:
- As a foremost dish: I like serving this as an entire meal, particularly with a easy facet salad like my simple kale salad or some roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s an effective way to sneak in some additional greens!
- Add a enjoyable topping: Need to take it up a notch? Sprinkle on some toasted breadcrumbs for a bit of crunch, or drizzle with scorching sauce for those who like issues spicy. Somewhat additional grated cheese by no means harm anybody both!
- Increase with protein: You possibly can simply add some additional protein to make it extra filling. Strive mixing in shredded hen, crispy tempeh, and even crumbled turkey sausage. It’s a simple approach to flip this mac and cheese right into a heartier meal.
- Function a facet: For those who’re preserving it as a facet dish, it pairs so nicely with baked or grilled proteins. I like serving it with my grilled salmon or some air fryer hen wings—the right consolation meal combo!
Storing Leftovers
When you’ve got leftovers (which may be laborious to consider!), 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 high or within the microwave till warmed by means of.
Incessantly Requested Questions
Nope! When you mix the cottage cheese with the milk and seasonings, it turns into a brilliant clean and creamy sauce. You received’t even realize it’s there, promise!
You possibly can, 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 a bit of thinner and fewer wealthy.
Completely! Whereas cheddar is a traditional alternative, you’ll be able to change it up with different cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, and even a mixture of your favorites. Simply be sure to grate your individual for the most effective soften!
Positively! You possibly can stir in cooked veggies like spinach, broccoli, or peas for an additional nutrient enhance. It’s a simple manner so as to add some greens and coloration to your mac and cheese!
Extra Pasta Recipes
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