High-Protein Mac and Cheese That’s Extra Creamy
This cottage cheese mac and cheese is a creamy, high-protein twist on the classic comfort food, made with simple ingredients. It blends up smooth, cooks into a flavorful sauce, and comes together in just minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients · Servings 8
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1½ cups cottage cheese (full fat is best)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional)
Method · 23 min
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set aside.
- In a blender, combine cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, cornstarch, salt, onion powder and dry mustard. Blend until smooth.
- Add the blended mixture into a large saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat. Cook 1 to 2 minutes more until heated through.
- Let rest for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights
- Why Make It: All the comfort of classic mac and cheese with a high-protein twist.
- Flavor: Creamy, rich, and cheesy with a light tang.
- Recommended Tools: A blender for a smooth sauce and a saucepan to heat and finish.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish makes an easy main with a side salad or serves as a side with baked chicken or ham.
- Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is a classic choice because it holds onto the creamy sauce so well. Shells or cavatappi are great substitutes.
- Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese blends into the smoothest, richest sauce, while low-fat can be used if needed but won’t be quite as creamy.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings the main cheesy flavor to the dish.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a little tang and helps give the sauce extra body, and plain Greek yogurt can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
- Variations: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or chopped spinach for an easy way to add some veggies to the dish. A pinch of paprika or cayenne can be added if you want a little warmth or a sharper finish. Toasted breadcrumbs on top give it that baked-style feel without ever turning on the oven.
Easy Steps To Creamy Mac
- Cook the pasta, reserving some of the pasta water.
- In a blender, combine sauce ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Add the blended ingredients to a saucepan and simmer until thickened (full recipe below).
- Add pasta to the saucepan.
Save It For Later
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to life.
This recipe does not freeze well.
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