Description
This creamy elbow macaroni dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (whole wheat or protein-enriched, if desired)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, blend cottage cheese and milk in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.
- Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the same pot. Reduce heat to low.
- Add the cottage cheese mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the pasta. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- This recipe can easily be adjusted for additional servings by increasing the ingredient quantities.
- Use fresh herbs for an added flavor boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling, Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg