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High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: High Protein

Description

This High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, nutritious twist on a classic comfort food. It combines cottage cheese and cheddar to create a velvety texture and a protein-packed meal perfect for quick dinners or meal prep. Easy to make with simple pantry staples, this dish is customizable and reheats beautifully while delivering delicious flavor and satisfying nutrition.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni

Dairy

  • 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated preferred)
  • 2 cups milk or milk alternative
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Thickening and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to form a roux. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  3. Add Cottage Cheese and Seasonings: Lower the heat and stir in the cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the cheese melts into a creamy sauce with a smooth texture.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently fold until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy, cheesy mixture.
  5. Serve or Store: Serve immediately for the best creamy texture, or transfer to an airtight container for meal prep and refrigerate.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cottage cheese for a richer, creamier result.
  • Don’t overcook pasta; al dente texture will prevent sogginess after mixing and reheating.
  • Whisk the sauce thoroughly to avoid lumps by slowly adding milk to the roux while whisking continuously.
  • Let the mac and cheese rest a few minutes after cooking to thicken further for perfect consistency.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and smoother sauce texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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Find it online: https://delectablemeal.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-mac-and-cheese/