Cozy Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe for Comfort Lovers

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy cottage cheese mac and cheese that redefines classic pasta dishes.

Cheesy, rich, and surprisingly light, this recipe breaks traditional mac and cheese rules.

Protein-packed cottage cheese blends seamlessly into a velvety sauce that coats every noodle with incredible flavor.

The secret ingredient adds unexpected depth and nutrition to an all-time favorite comfort meal.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling top that promises pure deliciousness in every bite.

Home cooks will love how simple and quick this dish comes together.

Dive into a bowl of pure, cheesy satisfaction that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Cottage Cheese Mac

• Pasta: Serves as the hearty foundation, choose medium-sized noodles like elbow macaroni for perfect cheese sauce coating.

• Cottage Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Creates luxurious, tangy base that melts into silky smooth sauce with rich, comforting flavor profile.
• Milk: Adds necessary liquid for blending cheeses and creating velvety texture.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle aromatic depth without overwhelming other flavors.

• Salt: Balances and elevates overall taste, enhancing cheese and pasta combination.
• Paprika, Black Pepper, Onion Powder: Optional spices that provide warming complexity and personalized flavor kick.
• Pasta Water: Secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency and adding subtle starchy richness.

Tools for Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta and creating the cheese sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cup: Helps measure pasta water and milk accurately.
• Cheese grater: Useful if using block cheddar cheese that needs grating.
• Measuring spoons: For precise seasoning with garlic powder and other spices.

How to Cook This Mac and Cheese Version

• Pasta Preparation

Grab a pot and fill it with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a rolling boil. Drop in your pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender with a slight bite.

• Cheese Fusion

Pull the pot back to the stove on low heat. Pour in milk and sprinkle in cottage cheese and sharp cheddar. Dust with a whisper of garlic powder. Stir gently until everything melts into a silky, dreamy sauce.

• Liquid Magic

Splash in some of the pasta’s cooking water to create a luxurious, smooth texture. The starchy water is your secret weapon for that restaurant-quality consistency.

• Flavor Boosters

Give your mac and cheese some personality. Sprinkle in extra seasonings like smoky paprika, black pepper, or zesty onion powder. Taste and adjust until it sings with flavor.

• Serving Moment

Scoop the hot, creamy goodness into bowls immediately. This dish is best enjoyed right away when the cheese is melted and the sauce is at its most tantalizing.

Ways to Boost Cottage Cheese Mac Flavor

• Blend cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for an extra protein-packed mac and cheese that supports muscle recovery and provides a satisfying meal.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, monterey jack, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Fold in roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach to increase nutritional value and add delightful texture and color to the classic dish.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before serving to introduce a crunchy element that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mac and cheese base.
• Incorporate herbs like fresh basil, chives, or thyme to elevate the flavor profile and add a fresh, aromatic dimension to the classic comfort food.

Serve Mac & Cheese Comfortably

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair this mac and cheese with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy texture and add some fresh nutrients to the meal.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the dish with grilled chicken strips, crispy bacon bits, or seasoned pulled pork for a heartier protein-packed version that transforms the mac and cheese into a complete meal.
• Veggie Boost Option: Stir in roasted broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, or caramelized roasted bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and add delightful bursts of color and flavor to the classic comfort dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Side Kick: Serve alongside roasted chicken, baked ham, or grilled sausages for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing dinner that will make everyone at the table happy and well-fed.

Storage Tips for Leftover Cottage Cheese Mac

• Fridge-Friendly Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated mac and cheese stays delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in microwave with a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Stir occasionally to prevent dry spots and ensure even heating.
• Batch Preparation: Double the recipe for quick weeknight meals. Portion into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or make-ahead dinners that save time and reduce daily cooking stress.
• Freezer Survival Guide: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat slowly, adding extra milk to revive the sauce's smooth consistency.

Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy cottage cheese mac and cheese delivers comfort with a protein-packed twist. Southern comfort meets nutritious innovation, promising satisfying flavors and wholesome goodness you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces (226 grams) dry pasta (shells or macaroni)
• 1 cup cottage cheese (whole milk)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
• 1 ½ tsps kosher salt (plus more for seasoning)
• ½ tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, ensuring a tender yet firm texture. Carefully extract and reserve a half cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Cheese Fusion: Return pasta to the warm pot, gently introducing cottage cheese, cheddar, and garlic powder. Stir continuously to create a smooth, even coating that embraces each pasta piece.
3. Sauce Refinement: Allow cheeses to melt completely, transforming into a luxurious sauce. Gradually incorporate reserved pasta water, whisking to achieve a silky, perfectly balanced consistency.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of smoky paprika, freshly cracked black pepper, or aromatic onion powder. Adjust sauce thickness by adding small amounts of reserved liquid or milk until reaching desired creaminess.
5. Serving: Plate immediately while steaming hot, ensuring maximum flavor intensity and optimal sauce distribution.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserved starchy liquid acts as a secret weapon, helping create a silky, smooth sauce by binding cheese and adding depth.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Low heat is crucial to prevent cheese from breaking or becoming grainy, ensuring a luxurious, creamy texture.
• Seasoning Boost: Experiment with paprika, black pepper, or onion powder to elevate the basic mac and cheese into a flavor-packed dish.
• Sauce Consistency Trick: Gradually add reserved pasta water or milk to control thickness, achieving the perfect creamy or looser sauce based on preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg