Mac & Cottage Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Mac & Cottage Cheese recipe offers a creamy, tangy twist on classic macaroni and cheese. Using cottage cheese in the sauce creates a smooth texture and adds extra protein, making this comforting dish both delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• 1 cup whole milk cottage cheese
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup milk
• 3 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
2. Step 2: In a food processor or blender, combine the cottage cheese, cornstarch, salt, pepper, mustard powder, and paprika. Blend until smooth. Add the milk and pulse a few times to combine.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cottage cheese mixture to the same pot used for the pasta. Heat over medium-high heat, bringing it to a low boil while whisking continuously. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water until the cheese melts into a sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Adjust the consistency by adding more pasta water if needed. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
• Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
• For a smoother sauce, blend the mixture longer or strain before heating.
• Swap elbow macaroni for shells, rotini, or your favorite pasta shape.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent curdling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy. Adding a little extra milk can help maintain a smooth texture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead, then combine and reheat just before serving for best results. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft.

Mac & Cottage Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 100 reviews

This creamy Mac & Cottage Cheese recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a smooth, cheesy cottage cheese sauce for a lighter twist on classic mac and cheese. The use of cottage cheese blended with spices and sharp cheddar creates a velvety, flavorful dish that’s quick to make and comforting. Perfect for a family dinner or a satisfying weeknight meal.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)

Cottage Cheese Sauce

• 1 cup whole milk cottage cheese
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup milk
• 3 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the cottage cheese mixture: In a food processor or blender, combine the cottage cheese, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and paprika. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. Add the milk and pulse just a few times to integrate the ingredients without over-blending.
3. Heat and thicken the sauce: Transfer the blended cottage cheese mixture to the pot used for cooking the pasta. Heat over medium-high heat and bring it to a low boil while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about one minute.
4. Add cheese and combine: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese along with ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Mix pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and toss thoroughly to coat every piece. Adjust the sauce consistency as needed by adding more of the reserved pasta water. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Reserve some pasta water as it helps to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
• Use sharp white cheddar for a pronounced cheese flavor; you can substitute with mild or extra sharp cheddar if preferred.
• For a smoother sauce, ensure the cottage cheese is well blended before heating.
• Serving immediately is recommended as the sauce thickens upon standing.
• You can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or shells.

Keywords: mac and cheese, cottage cheese recipe, creamy pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta