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–+ servings
Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

Creamy Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese for Guilt-Free Indulgence

This Creamy Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a healthier twist on a beloved classic that's perfect for weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups short pasta like elbow macaroni or shells
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup cottage cheese the star ingredient
  • 1/2 cup milk can swap for almond milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter can be replaced with olive oil
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese select sharp or mild varieties
For the Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust according to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or use fresh minced garlic
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup vegetables like broccoli or spinach
  • 1 cup cooked meat like bacon or sausage

Equipment

  • Blender
  • large pot
  • Large Saucepan
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
  1. Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Add your short pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, milk, butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Blend until smooth, adding extra milk if needed for consistency.
  3. In a large saucepan, combine drained pasta with the blended cottage cheese sauce over medium heat. Stir for 3-5 minutes until heated through and well-coated.
  4. Reduce heat to low and gradually add cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and creamy.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheddar or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Drain pasta well to prevent a watery sauce. Blend cottage cheese until smooth for best texture. Stir gently while heating to keep sauce silky. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Experiment with add-ins for variation.

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