Description
This creamy Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a quick and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of sharp cheddar and smooth cottage cheese with tender pasta shells. Ready in just 20 minutes, it offers a delicious twist on the classic mac and cheese by incorporating cottage cheese for added creaminess and protein.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz dry pasta (shells or macaroni)
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt (for boiling pasta)
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup whole milk cottage cheese
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
Seasonings (Optional)
- Additional kosher salt, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until it reaches an al dente texture. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to be used later in the sauce.
- Combine cheese and pasta: Return the drained pasta to the pot and place it over low heat. Add the milk, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt, forming a creamy mixture.
- Adjust sauce consistency: Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water to the mixture to smooth and loosen the sauce. Stir well to incorporate and achieve the desired creaminess.
- Season the mac and cheese: Add kosher salt and any additional desired spices such as paprika, black pepper, and onion powder. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference. For a creamier texture, add more pasta water or milk as needed.
- Serve immediately: Once the sauce is smooth and well-seasoned, serve the mac and cheese hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use shells or macaroni pasta for optimal sauce retention.
- Reserve the pasta water to help create a silky cheese sauce.
- Whole milk cottage cheese adds creaminess; low-fat versions will result in a less rich sauce.
- Optional seasonings like paprika, black pepper, and onion powder enhance flavor but are not required.
- Serve immediately as the sauce thickens upon standing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
