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Hey there, pasta lovers!
Get ready for a twist on a classic comfort food!
I’m super excited to share my recipe for cottage cheese mac and cheese.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein – a guilt-free version of your favorite dish!
Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner.
You won’t want to miss this one! Let’s dive in!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 25-35 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
- 10 oz pasta
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 5 oz cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 tbsp corn starch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp onion salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz pre-cooked chicken
- Bacon bits
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking 10 oz of pasta according to the instructions on the box.
For added flavor and protein, use low sodium bone broth instead of water.
Follow the cooking time on the package to ensure perfectly cooked pasta.
Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare and Blend the Cheese Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce.
In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup of cottage cheese, 5 oz of cheddar cheese, 1 cup of milk, and 1.5 tablespoons of corn starch.
For added flavor, include the optional seasonings: 0.5 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ground mustard, 0.5 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 0.25 teaspoon of onion salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper.
Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Cook the Cheese Sauce
Transfer the blended cheese sauce into a saucepan and set the burner to low heat.
Stir continuously and cook for a couple of minutes, or until the sauce starts to thicken.
Be cautious to keep the heat low to prevent burning the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the cheese sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta to the saucepan.
Mix well to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
At this point, you can incorporate additional protein if desired, such as 12 oz of pre-cooked chicken and bacon bits.
Step 5: Serve and Store
Serve your creamy, high-protein pasta dish immediately for best results.
If you’re meal prepping, store the dish in the refrigerator.
It reheats well in the microwave, making it a convenient option for later meals.
For added variety, consider using higher protein pasta made from chickpeas or substituting the added protein with beef, turkey, or canned tuna.
Adjust the fat content of the ingredients (fat-free, reduced fat, or full-fat) based on your dietary needs.
