Description
Cottage cheese mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cottage cheese and sharp cheddar for a nostalgic dish that delights the whole family. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, offering a rich flavor profile enhanced by optional veggies. With its gooey texture and cheesy aroma, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped spinach or broccoli (optional)
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, retaining some pasta water.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper for about 30 seconds.
- Lower heat and add cottage cheese and milk; mix until smooth.
- Gradually stir in cheddar cheese until melted. If too thick, add reserved pasta water for consistency.
- Fold in cooked pasta and any optional veggies until well combined.
- For a baked option, transfer to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheddar or breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg