Description

Cottage cheese mac and cheese is a creamy, nostalgic twist on the classic dish, perfect for any occasion. With tender pasta enveloped in a rich cheese sauce, this comforting meal is sure to become a family favorite. Ideal for cozy dinners or potlucks, this recipe combines the goodness of cottage cheese with savory cheeses for an irresistible flavor explosion. Get ready to indulge in warmth and satisfaction with every delicious bite.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup small curd cottage cheese
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup whole milk
4 tbsp salted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente (7-9 minutes), then drain.
2. Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for about one minute until golden brown.
3. Add Milk & Cheeses: Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; cook until thickened. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted.
4. Mix Cottage Cheese: Incorporate cottage cheese and seasonings into the sauce until well combined.
5. Combine & Bake: Fold cooked pasta into the sauce thoroughly. Pour into a greased baking dish, sprinkle extra cheddar on top if desired, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Experiment with different types of cheese like gouda or Monterey Jack for added depth. Add veggies such as spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition and color. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.