Description
This Creamy Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a comforting, dairy-rich twist on the classic, made without milk by using cottage cheese for a creamy texture. Ready in 30 minutes, this recipe features perfectly cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic powder. It’s a delicious, satisfying meal for four that blends creamy and crunchy textures seamlessly.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese
- 10 oz pasta
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese
- 1.25 cup cheddar cheese, shredded from a block for best flavor
Seasonings
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt (for breadcrumb topping)
Topping and Oil
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tsp avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 10 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup cottage cheese and 1.25 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder to season. Mix well to ensure the cheeses are evenly combined.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and stir until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy cheese blend.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 3 teaspoons avocado oil until the crumbs are evenly coated with the oil and herbs.
- Assemble and Heat: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a baking dish or skillet safe for stovetop heat. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the mac and cheese. Place the dish over medium heat on the stovetop for a few minutes, allowing the breadcrumbs to toast slightly and the cheese to heat through. Alternatively, briefly broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes to brown the topping, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Once the breadcrumb topping is golden and crispy and the cheese mixture is warmed through, remove from heat. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using block cheddar cheese and shredding it yourself gives better melting and flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- You can substitute avocado oil with any neutral oil such as vegetable or canola oil for the breadcrumb topping.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of pasta cooking water when mixing the cheese and pasta.
- This recipe can be adapted to gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to suit gluten-free diets.
- To make the topping extra crunchy, you can toast the breadcrumbs separately in a pan before adding.
