Description
This Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic comfort dish by using low fat cottage cheese and milk, combined with sharp cheddar to create a creamy, cheesy sauce. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes, it features a smooth, flavorful sauce thickened on the stovetop and topped with fresh chives for a burst of fresh flavor.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (whole wheat, chickpea, or regular)
- ¾ cup low fat cottage cheese (or full fat; do not use fat free)
- ¾ cup low fat milk (or whole milk; do not use skim)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (plus additional to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded (about 1 cup; white cheddar recommended)
Topping
- Chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture: While the pasta cooks, combine the cottage cheese, milk, cornstarch, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, garlic powder, and paprika in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour the blended sauce mixture into a large, deep skillet. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes. Allow some gentle simmering but avoid boiling.
- Melt in the Cheddar: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring constantly until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Avoid adding all cheese at once to prevent clumping.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly. If needed, loosen the sauce by adding a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve a creamy and glossy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if desired.
- Serve: Transfer the mac and cheese to serving bowls or plates. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh chives and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not use fat-free cottage cheese or skim milk as they may affect the texture and richness of the sauce.
- If you prefer, substitute whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a healthier alternative.
- Gradually adding the cheese prevents clumping and ensures a smooth sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it thickens too much.
- Serve immediately as the sauce thickens upon standing.
