Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese: Healthy 20-Minute Comfort
We’re sharing our favorite way to make creamy, protein-packed mac and cheese that’s on the table in 20 minutes — a game-changer for weeknights.
Kitchen Note
Don’t overmix the sauce — it should still be a bit saucy when you combine it with the pasta. If using different types of pasta, adjust cooking time as needed. A little extra grated cheese on top never hurts.
Why this cottage cheese mac and cheese works
- Silky, creamy sauce from the cottage cheese.
- Balanced flavor with a hint of black pepper.
- Ready in just 20 minutes.
- Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Great for meal prep or healthy lunches.
What you’ll need
The star of the show is cottage cheese, blended into a creamy sauce with some help from milk and cheese — you’ll want to use high-quality stuff for the best flavor.
- 8 oz macaroni
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk
Tips for getting this right
- Blend the cottage cheese until smooth for the creamiest sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta — al dente is best.
- Add some spice with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Stir constantly when adding the cheese to avoid lumps.
- Reheat with a splash of milk if the sauce thickens.
Swaps and substitutions
For a gluten-free version, swap pasta for a gluten-free option. Use Greek yogurt as a substitute for some of the cottage cheese. Add cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein. For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese.
Storing and reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk until warm. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Common questions
Yes, prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and refrigerate. Reheat when ready.
Stir in a little milk or cream when reheating.
Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
🧂 Ingredients
👩🍳 Instructions
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1Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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2In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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3Add the flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
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4Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
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5Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
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6Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cottage cheese until smooth.
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7Add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until fully incorporated.
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8Season the sauce with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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9Combine the cooked macaroni and cheesy sauce, stirring until well coated.
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10Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish and top with additional shredded cheese if desired.
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11Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mac and cheese is heated through.
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12Serve hot and enjoy!
Give it a try and let us know how it turns out — we’d love to hear your thoughts!