Mac & Cottage Cheese Recipe
A creamy and comforting Mac & Cottage Cheese recipe combining tender elbow macaroni with a rich blend of cottage cheese, sharp cheddar, and a hint of spices for a flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
Dairy & Sauce
- 1 cup whole milk cottage cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 3 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
Seasonings & Thickener
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: 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 the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare Cottage Cheese Mixture: Add cottage cheese, cornstarch, salt, pepper, mustard powder, and paprika to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Pour in the milk and pulse a few times to combine evenly.
- Heat Sauce: Transfer the blended cottage cheese mixture back to the pot used for the pasta. Heat over medium-high heat, bringing it to a low boil while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 1 minute.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely. Then add the cooked pasta and toss gently to coat it fully with the sauce. Adjust the consistency by adding more reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and creamy for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reserving pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency and helps it cling better to the pasta.
- Using whole milk cottage cheese creates a creamier sauce, but you can substitute with low-fat if preferred.
- Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- This dish is best enjoyed freshly made for optimal creaminess.
- You can add cooked vegetables or protein to make the meal more substantial.
Keywords: mac and cheese, cottage cheese recipe, creamy pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, cheddar cheese pasta
Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/mac-and-cottage-cheese-recipe/
