Mac & Cottage Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This creamy Mac & Cottage Cheese recipe offers a delicious twist on classic macaroni and cheese. Combining sharp cheddar with smooth cottage cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. It’s a comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• 1 cup whole milk cottage cheese
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup milk
• 3 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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 aside.
2. Step 2: In a food processor or blender, combine the cottage cheese, cornstarch, salt, pepper, mustard powder, and paprika. Blend until smooth. Add the milk and pulse a few times to mix.
3. Step 3: Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the pot used for cooking pasta. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a low boil, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water, whisking until the cheese melts. Add the cooked pasta and toss to thoroughly coat. Add more pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of heavy cream when melting the cheese.
• Add cooked vegetables like peas or steamed broccoli for added nutrition and color.
• Swap sharp white cheddar for smoked cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwave reheating without stirring to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat or non-dairy cottage cheese for this recipe?

Low-fat cottage cheese can be used, but the sauce may be less creamy. Non-dairy alternatives may affect the texture and flavor, so opt for those labeled as similar in consistency for best results.

What if I don’t have a food processor or blender?

You can mash the cottage cheese with cornstarch and spices using a fork or whisk until fairly smooth, then slowly whisk in the milk. It won’t be as silky but will still work well in the sauce.

Mac & Cottage Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 123 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Creamy and comforting Mac & Cottage Cheese is a delightful twist on classic macaroni and cheese, combining tender elbow pasta with a smooth cottage cheese sauce enhanced by cheddar cheese and warm spices for a rich, satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)

Sauce

• 1 cup whole milk cottage cheese
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup milk
• 3 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare Sauce Base: In a food processor or blender, combine the whole milk cottage cheese, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and paprika. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the milk and pulse a few times to blend everything evenly.
3. Heat Sauce: Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the same pot used for cooking the pasta. Heat it over medium-high heat, bringing the mixture to a low boil while whisking frequently until it thickens, which should take about 1 minute.
4. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp white cheddar cheese along with ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely into the sauce, forming a smooth and creamy consistency.
5. Toss Pasta: Add the cooked elbow macaroni back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly. Add more of the reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Use whole milk cottage cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Reserve pasta water carefully; the starch helps adjust the sauce consistency.
• Mustard powder enhances the depth of flavor in the cheese sauce.
• For a sharper taste, use extra sharp cheddar cheese.
• This dish is best eaten fresh as the sauce thickens upon standing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: mac and cheese, cottage cheese recipe, creamy pasta, cheddar cheese pasta, easy macaroni recipe