Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese - High Protein & Low Calorie Mac n Cheese

cottage cheese

🥗Healthier: ricotta cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Ricotta provides a similar texture with fewer calories.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier and can replace butter in baking.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: whole milk

Almond milk is lower in calories and can be used in sauces.

Fill a medium-sized pot with water and add enough salt to make it taste like the sea; bring to a boil.

Add 8 oz of elbow macaroni to the boiling water; cook until al dente, about 12 to 13 minutes.

Reserve some pasta water, then drain the pasta; do not wash the pot.

In a blender or food processor, add 1 cup of cottage cheese, 1/2 cup of regular milk, 4 oz of sharp cheddar cheese, 2 oz of Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, a pinch of nutmeg, and an optional pinch of cayenne pepper; blend until smooth for about 30 to 40 seconds.

Pour the blended mixture into the pot and turn the heat to medium-low; stir with a wooden spoon until slightly thickened, about 1 to 1.5 minutes.

Add the drained pasta back into the pot and stir well; taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Brush an 8x8 casserole dish with butter; add 2 to 3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to the mac and cheese to thin it out if needed.

Pour the mac and cheese into the casserole dish; top with 1 oz of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of Panko breadcrumbs.

Transfer the dish to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly.

If making ahead, transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the casserole dish, bring to room temperature, cover tightly, and refrigerate; before baking, sprinkle with cheese and breadcrumbs.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens