Creamy Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

This Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe is easy to make and packed with cheesy goodness! The combination of cottage cheese and sharp cheddar creates a smooth and creamy sauce that will delight your taste buds. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dry pasta (shells or macaroni, see note 1)
• 1 cup cottage cheese (whole milk, see note 3)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for seasoning)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup pasta cooking water (reserved)

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.

2. Make the Sauce:

   • Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Add milk, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder over low heat.
   • Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce comes together. Gradually add the reserved pasta water to help smooth out the sauce.

3. Season:

   • Taste and season with kosher salt and any other spices you prefer (e.g., paprika, black pepper, or onion powder). If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water or milk until you reach the desired creamy texture.

4. Serve:

   • Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or herbs if desired.

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Notes:

• Note 1: Classic elbow macaroni or shells work best for mac and cheese, but you can use other smaller pasta like penne, rotini, ziti, or campanelle.

• Note 2: Feel free to choose a pasta that fits your dietary preferences, such as gluten-free, whole wheat, or chickpea pasta.

• Note 3: For extra smoothness, you can blend the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender before adding it to the recipe. But if you’re in a rush, skip this step and the sauce will still be creamy and delicious.

• Note 4: If the mac and cheese seems dry, gradually add more pasta cooking water or milk (a couple of tablespoons at a time) and stir gently.

• Note 5: A rubber spatula is ideal for mixing, as it won’t break the pasta shapes.

• Note 6: Experiment with different types of cheese! Cheddar is classic, but you can mix in parmesan, gruyere, or gouda for variety.

Enjoy this comforting, creamy mac and cheese! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner.