If you love mac and cheese but want a protein-packed twist, this Protein Mac and Cheese with Cottage Cheese is the perfect recipe for you! It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting while being loaded with extra protein to keep you full and satisfied.

Who can resist a warm, creamy bowl of mac and cheese? It’s the ultimate comfort food! But what if you could enjoy all that rich, cheesy goodness in a healthier way? Meet Protein Mac and Cheese with Cottage Cheese—a lighter, protein-packed twist on the classic that’s just as satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in Protein – Thanks to cottage cheese and cheddar, this mac and cheese is not just delicious but also nourishing. Packed with 31 grams of protein per serving!
Healthier Alternative – Enjoy all the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with a lighter, better-for-you twist.
Easy to Make – No fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just a quick and simple recipe ready in 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Cottage Cheese: The star of the dish! You can use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese, depending on your preference. I personally love using low-fat for a lighter option.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the classic go-to, but feel free to switch things up with fun shapes like shells, rotini, or cavatappi—I’m a big fan of cavatappi! 🙌
Cheddar Cheese: For that rich, cheesy flavor, freshly shredded cheddar is the way to go. It melts beautifully and adds the perfect amount of sharpness.
Milk: Helps achieve the ideal creamy consistency. Any type of milk works, but 2% or high-protein soy milk are a great option if you’re looking to cut back on calories.
Cornstarch: A key ingredient to thicken the sauce.
Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper ties everything together. If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper—it adds just the right amount of warmth and depth!

How To Make

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, cornstarch, and seasonings. Blend until smooth.

Pour the cheese sauce into a non-stick pot and cook over medium heat, stirring regularly. Let it gently simmer for about 8 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Add the cooked pasta and stir well, ensuring every piece is coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce. Cook for another minute or two until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy! 😊

Variations & Tips

Extra Protein: Serve with these Air Fryer Chicken Bites.
Veggies: Add spinach, peas, or roasted broccoli for extra nutrients.
Choose the Right Pasta: Smaller pasta shapes like elbows, shells, or cavatappi work best for soaking up the sauce.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs.
Don’t Skip the Blending: Blending the cottage cheese with the remaining ingredients is key to achieving a smooth, creamy texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove top over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.