Mac & Cottage Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Mac & Cottage Cheese offers a creamy, tangy twist on classic mac and cheese by incorporating cottage cheese for extra protein and a smooth texture. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week.
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
- 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 it aside.
- Step 2: Add the cottage cheese, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and paprika to a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Add the milk and pulse a few times to combine fully.
- Step 3: Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the same pot used for cooking the pasta. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a low boil, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Continue stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Adjust the consistency with additional pasta water if needed, then serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother sauce, blend the cottage cheese mixture longer until silky before heating.
- Try substituting smoked paprika for a smoky flavor twist.
- Add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
Storage
Store leftover mac and cottage cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent curdling.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute sharp white cheddar with cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack depending on your flavor preferences. Just ensure the cheese melts well.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch helps thicken the cottage cheese sauce and ensures a creamy texture. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can reduce or omit it, but the sauce may be less rich.
PrintMac & Cottage Cheese Recipe
A creamy and comforting Mac & Cottage Cheese dish featuring tender elbow macaroni combined with a smooth blend of cottage cheese, sharp cheddar, and warming spices, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- 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
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
Cottage Cheese 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
Cheese
- 3 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta al dente following the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Blend the Sauce Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine cottage cheese, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and paprika. Blend until completely smooth. Add milk and pulse a few times to integrate everything evenly.
- Heat the Cottage Cheese Mixture: Pour the blended cottage cheese sauce back into the pot used for pasta. Heat over medium-high, bringing it to a low boil while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Add Cheddar and Pasta Water: Stir in the shredded sharp white cheddar cheese along with ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Keep stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss thoroughly to coat. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more reserved pasta water if needed, then serve immediately for best creamy texture.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta better.
- Using whole milk cottage cheese ensures a richer and creamier sauce.
- Blend the cottage cheese well to prevent lumps and create a smooth cheese sauce.
- Mustard powder and paprika add a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- This dish is best served fresh and warm for optimal creaminess.
Keywords: macaroni and cheese, cottage cheese recipe, creamy pasta, easy macaroni, homemade mac and cheese
