Description
This Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a healthy twist on the classic comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein thanks to the addition of cottage cheese. It’s an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
▢ 8 oz elbow macaroni
▢ 1 cup cottage cheese
▢ 1 cup milk
▢ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
▢ 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
▢ 2 tablespoons butter
▢ 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
▢ 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
▢ Salt and pepper, to taste
▢ 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 minutes.
2. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a medium saucepan.
3. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to form a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Cook 3–5 minutes until thickened.
5. Reduce heat to low. Add cottage cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
6. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
7. Drain pasta and stir it into the cheese sauce until well coated.
8. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Notes
• Use whole milk for a richer sauce, or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter option.
• Cottage cheese blends best if it’s at room temperature.
• Want more veggies? Stir in cooked broccoli or spinach just before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, cottage cheese mac and cheese, healthy mac and cheese, high protein dinner