Go Back
Creamy high protein cottage cheese mac and cheese in white bowl with fork

High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

Creamy mac and cheese with cottage cheese boost delivering 20g protein per serving
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 generous portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pasta macaroni, penne, or fusilli
  • 1 cup cottage cheese low-fat or full-fat
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in heavily salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in garlic powder, then gradually add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  3. Add shredded cheddar to the milk mixture gradually, whisking continuously until melted and smooth.
  4. Return drained pasta to the original pasta pot and add cottage cheese. Stir gently to distribute evenly throughout pasta.
  5. Pour cheddar sauce over pasta and cottage cheese mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated and looks creamy.
  6. Heat on low for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil. If sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

Don't let mixture boil after adding cottage cheese to prevent curdling. Sharp cheddar provides best flavor contrast with cottage cheese. Makes 4 generous servings with approximately 20g protein each.