Looking for delicious cottage cheese recipes? This High-Protein Mac and Cheese with Cottage Cheese and Chickpea Cavatappi is the ultimate comfort food that’s both nutritious and delicious. Get ready to indulge in one of the best mac and cheeses you’ve ever tasted!
Upgrade Your Mac & Cheese Kit
Cottage cheese already makes this mac and cheese extra creamy - now take it further with premium pasta and sharp aged cheddar that melts into the smoothest sauce you’ve ever made.
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🍝 DeLallo Cavatappi Pasta - Bronze Cut (Italian)
Why bronze-cut: Italian bronze-die pasta has a rough surface that grips cheese sauce instead of letting it slide off. Cavatappi’s spiral shape traps sauce in every twist and turn. -
🧀 Aged Sharp Cheddar (DeLallo Cavatappi)
Why aged: Sharper, more complex cheddar melts beautifully and stands up to the tang of cottage cheese. Vermont or Irish cheddar has a depth that pre-shredded bags can’t match. -
🌿 Smoked Spanish Paprika (Pimentón de la Vera)
The secret sprinkle: A dusting of real smoked paprika on top before serving adds a smoky, savory layer that takes cottage cheese mac from comfort food to conversation starter.
This mac and cheese is perfect year-round but shines especially during cozy fall evenings and family gatherings. It’s a fantastic dish for holiday potlucks or a hearty weeknight dinner.
Incorporating more protein into comfort food has never been this tasty!
Jump to:
- What Ingredients Do You Need for Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese?
- How Do You Make Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese?
- What’s the Chef’s Note on Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese?
- What Substitutions Can You Make?
- What Variations Can You Try?
- What Equipment Do You Need?
- How Do You Store Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese?
- What’s the Best Tip for Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
- What Other Comfort Food Recipes Should You Try?
- What Pairs Well With Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese?
- Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe
What Ingredients Do You Need for Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese?
I’ve selected ingredients that not only boost protein content but also enhance the creaminess and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chickpea cavatappi pasta
- Cottage cheese (preferably small curd)
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Gruyère cheese, shredded (optional for extra creaminess)
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
- Milk (whole or 2%)
- Dry mustard powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh chives or parsley (for garnish)
See recipe card for quantities.
How Do You Make Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese?
Follow these steps to create a creamy, protein-packed mac and cheese. I’ve included photos to guide you through each step.
- Step 1: Cook the Banza chickpea cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Blend the cottage cheese until smooth to eliminate curds and achieve a creamy texture.
- Step 3: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Step 4: Gradually whisk in milk and the blended cottage cheese. Cook until the mixture thickens.
Hint: For an extra creamy sauce for this and other cottage cheese recipes, make sure to blend the cottage cheese until it’s completely smooth. This ensures it integrates seamlessly into the sauce.
What’s the Chef’s Note on Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese?
For a golden, crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese before baking.
What Substitutions Can You Make?
If you’re looking to adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences, here are some substitutions:
- Gluten-Free – Use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour and ensure your pasta is gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free – Substitute dairy milk with almond or soy milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Lower Fat – Use low-fat cottage cheese and skim milk to reduce the fat content.
Even if you don’t follow a specific diet, these substitutions can be helpful if you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions.
What Variations Can You Try?
Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious variations:
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
- Deluxe Version – Stir in cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Boost – Mix in steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for added nutrition.
What Equipment Do You Need?
Using the right equipment can make this recipe even easier:
- Blender or Food Processor – To blend the cottage cheese smoothly.
- Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan – Prevents the cheese sauce from burning.
- Baking Dish – If you choose to bake the mac and cheese for a golden crust.
Check out my favorite blender this blender on Amazon.
How Do You Store Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
This mac and cheese doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
What’s the Best Tip for Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese?
To prevent the sauce from becoming grainy, make sure to add the cheese to the sauce off the heat and stir until it’s fully melted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer. However, using Banza chickpea pasta increases the protein content.
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just store it in the refrigerator and adjust the baking time accordingly.
What Other Comfort Food Recipes Should You Try?
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
What Pairs Well With Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese?
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this High-Protein Mac and Cheese:
Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking dish (optional, if baking)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Chickpea cavatappi pasta
- 1 cup cottage cheese preferably small curd
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup Gruyère cheese shredded (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option
- 1½ cups milk whole or 2%
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the Banza chickpea cavatappi pasta.
- Cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 7-9 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Blend the Cottage Cheese:
- Place the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth to eliminate curds and achieve a creamy texture.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the flour to create a roux.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns light golden.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Add the blended cottage cheese to the saucepan.
- Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
Add the Cheeses and Spices:
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the dry mustard powder and garlic powder.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce.
- Stir until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
Optional Baking Step:
- If you’d like a golden crust on top:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, high-protein mac and cheese!
