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Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

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3.8 from 65 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese offers a creamy, nutritious twist on the classic comfort food by using low-fat cottage cheese blended into a smooth cheese sauce along with sharp cheddar. The recipe uses elbow macaroni and allows flexibility with pasta types, making it a delicious and wholesome meal that’s quick to prepare on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (regular, whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta)

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk or whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups low fat cottage cheese (any kind will work)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 10 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Do not rinse the pasta to maintain starchiness for better sauce adhesion.
  2. Prepare Cottage Cheese Mixture: While pasta cooks, combine evaporated milk or whole milk, low fat cottage cheese, kosher salt, and paprika in a blender or food processor; blend until mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
  3. Coat Cheese with Cornstarch: In a large saucepan, combine the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese with the cornstarch, mixing thoroughly to coat the cheese evenly without heating.
  4. Make Cheese Sauce: Stir the blended cottage cheese mixture into the cheese and cornstarch mixture. Set the saucepan over medium heat and whisk frequently until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to achieve desired sauce consistency. Taste and adjust salt as needed, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better, avoiding anti-caking agents present in pre-shredded cheese.
  • Evaporated Milk: This concentrated milk adds richness and creaminess without needing heavy cream. Whole milk can be used as an alternative.
  • Pasta: Use pasta shapes with grooves or twists to hold the cheese sauce well. Options include whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pastas.
  • Veggies Addition: Stir in steamed broccoli or frozen peas to incorporate veggies and nutrients.
  • Baked Variation: Transfer prepared mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Find it online: https://deliciousyum.com/cottage-cheese-mac-and-cheese-recipe/