This cottage cheese mac and cheese cooks up in below half-hour and is filled with 22 grams of protein. It’s wealthy, creamy and the right family-friendly meal for busy weeknights.
Mac and cheese is a favourite consolation meals basic for me. I really like actual deal mac and cheese, however I’m all the time on the hunt for methods to make it a bit of lighter whereas nonetheless retaining that creamy, tacky goodness — and that’s precisely what this cottage cheese mac and cheese does!
Just like how I sneak in additional vitamins in my vegan mac and cheese, cauliflower mac and cheese and butternut squash mac and cheese, this model provides cottage cheese so as to add a lift of protein whereas retaining the sauce tremendous easy, creamy and flavorful. It’s critically SO good – I can’t wait so that you can do this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-packed – Due to the cottage cheese, this mac and cheese has 22 grams of protein per serving, making it a extra filling than conventional mac and cheese.
- Tremendous creamy – Mixing the cottage cheese with milk and cheddar cheese creates a velvety, creamy sauce that coats the pasta completely — while not having heavy cream or butter.
- Straightforward to make – This recipe comes collectively in below half-hour with easy components that you simply in all probability have already got available. Excellent for busy weeknights!
- Household-friendly – My kiddos wolfed up this mac & cheese, so I do know yours will too!
Substances Wanted
- elbow macaroni – basic mac and cheese pasta! You need to use entire wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta to modify issues up if wanted.
- cottage cheese – full-fat cottage cheese is essential right here for additional creaminess and protein. Don’t fear, it blends easily into the sauce and also you received’t even comprehend it’s there.
- entire milk – helps create a creamy, wealthy sauce. You need to use any milk you’ve got available, however entire milk provides the most effective texture.
- arrowroot powder or cornstarch – helps thicken the sauce while not having a roux. It’s an incredible trick to maintain issues lighter!
- garlic & onion powder – two prerequisites that add simply the correct quantity of taste to this mac and cheese.
- paprika – provides a contact of heat and colour to the sauce. You need to use smoked paprika for an additional layer of taste for those who like!
- cheddar cheese – freshly grated cheddar cheese melts finest and offers that basic tacky taste. Don’t use pre-shredded cheese because it doesn’t soften as easily.
Discover the complete ingredient record with measurements within the recipe card beneath.
Substitutions
- Elbow macaroni – You may completely change up the pasta form! Shells, penne, and even gluten-free or chickpea pasta work nice right here. Simply choose your favourite, and it’ll nonetheless be scrumptious.
- Cottage cheese – Not a fan of cottage cheese? No drawback! You may sub in ricotta and even Greek yogurt for the same creamy texture. It received’t change the general taste an excessive amount of, however you’ll nonetheless get that protein increase.
- Complete milk – I actually love utilizing entire milk on this recipe as a result of it makes the sauce additional creamy and wealthy, however for those who don’t have any available, be at liberty to make use of no matter milk you’ve received. Almond, oat, or cashew milk work as a dairy-free choice, simply be sure that it’s unsweetened so the sauce doesn’t prove too candy!
- Arrowroot powder or cornstarch – Should you don’t have both, you can also make a fast roux by whisking 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 tablespoon of butter. It’ll thicken up the sauce similar to the arrowroot or cornstarch would.
- Vegan – We’re utilizing loads of dairy on this recipe so for those who’re extra all in favour of a vegan model I extremely suggest testing my vegan mac & cheese!
The way to Make Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese
Making this mac & cheese is tremendous straightforward! Observe these 4 easy steps and also you’ll have a comforting meal on the desk very quickly:
Step 1: Prepare dinner the pasta in keeping with package deal instructions. Drain and put aside.
Step 2: Mix cottage cheese, milk, cheddar, arrowroot powder, and spices till easy.
Step 3: Warmth the cheese sauce in a skillet over medium-low, whisking for 8-10 minutes till it thickens barely.
Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken earlier than serving. Get pleasure from!
Brittany’s Tip
Grate your individual cheese! I do know it’s tempting to seize the pre-shredded stuff, however belief me, freshly grated cheddar melts so a lot better. It’s value the additional couple of minutes, I promise.
The way to Serve Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese
This cottage cheese mac and cheese is creamy, cozy, and actually excellent by itself, however for those who’re trying to combine issues up or serve it as a part of a meal, listed here are some concepts:
- As a primary dish: I really like serving this as an entire meal, particularly with a easy aspect salad like my straightforward kale salad or some roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s a good way to sneak in some additional greens!
- Add a enjoyable topping: Need to take it up a notch? Sprinkle on some toasted breadcrumbs for a bit of crunch, or drizzle with sizzling sauce for those who like issues spicy. A bit of additional grated cheese by no means harm anybody both!
- Enhance with protein: You may simply add some additional protein to make it extra filling. Attempt mixing in shredded hen, crispy tempeh, and even crumbled turkey sausage. It’s a straightforward method to flip this mac and cheese right into a heartier meal.
- Function a aspect: Should you’re retaining it as a aspect dish, it pairs so nicely with baked or grilled proteins. I really like serving it with my grilled salmon or some air fryer hen wings—the right consolation meal combo!
Storing Leftovers
When you have leftovers (which could be onerous to imagine!), retailer them in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to assist loosen the sauce and get it creamy once more. Gently reheat on the range prime or within the microwave till warmed by means of.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
Nope! When you mix the cottage cheese with the milk and seasonings, it turns into an excellent easy and creamy sauce. You received’t even comprehend it’s there, promise!
You may, however I like to recommend utilizing full-fat cottage cheese for the most effective creamy texture and taste. Low-fat variations will work, however the sauce could also be a bit of thinner and fewer wealthy.
Completely! Whereas cheddar is a basic selection, you possibly can change it up with different cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, and even a mixture of your favorites. Simply be sure that to grate your individual for the most effective soften!
Undoubtedly! You may stir in cooked veggies like spinach, broccoli, or peas for an additional nutrient increase. It’s a straightforward approach so as to add some greens and colour to your mac and cheese!
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