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15-Minute Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese (High Protein, One-Pot) Recipe

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A quick and high-protein twist on classic mac and cheese made in just 15 minutes using cottage cheese for creaminess and sharp cheddar for rich flavor. This one-pot recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting yet nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 8 oz dry pasta (shells or macaroni)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Dairy

  • 1 cup whole milk cottage cheese
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup milk

Other

  • ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add the milk, whole milk cottage cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Stir gently to combine and begin melting the cheese.
  3. Create the Sauce: Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water to the mixture, stirring continuously to smooth out and loosen the cheese sauce to your desired creaminess.
  4. Season to Taste: Taste and adjust seasoning by adding kosher salt or additional spices such as paprika, black pepper, or onion powder if desired. Add extra milk or pasta water if a creamier texture is preferred.
  5. Serve Immediately: Once the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy, remove from heat and serve the mac and cheese hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Classic elbow macaroni or shells work best, but smaller pasta shapes like penne, rotini, ziti, or campanelle are suitable alternatives.
  • Choose pasta based on dietary needs: gluten-free, whole wheat, chickpea, lentil, or brown rice pasta can be used.
  • For extra smoothness, blend the cottage cheese before adding to the pot, but this step is optional.
  • If the mac and cheese appears dry, gradually add more pasta water or milk while mixing gently.
  • Use a rubber spatula to stir, which helps preserve the pasta shapes from breaking.
  • Feel free to experiment with cheeses such as parmesan, gruyere, or gouda alongside cheddar for varied flavors.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/15-minute-cottage-cheese-mac-and-cheese-high-protein-one-pot-recipe/