Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 824 calories per serving. Recipe by The Protein Chef on YouTube.
Prep: 7 min | Cook: 21 min | Total: 38 min
Cost: $13.11 total, $3.28 per serving
Ingredients
- 10 oz Pasta (any shape; cook in bone broth for extra protein)
- 4 cups Low Sodium Bone Broth (use instead of water to cook pasta)
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese (full‑fat or low‑fat works)
- 5 oz Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Milk (any type; whole milk gives richer texture)
- 1.5 tbsp Corn Starch (for thickening the sauce)
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder (optional)
- 1 tsp Ground Mustard (optional)
- 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika (optional)
- 0.25 tsp Onion Salt (optional)
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (optional)
- 12 oz Pre‑cooked Chicken (diced; can use rotisserie or grilled chicken)
- 2 tbsp Bacon Bits (optional; adds smoky crunch)
Instructions
Cook Pasta in Bone Broth
Bring 4 cups low‑sodium bone broth to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 10 oz pasta and cook according to package directions, usually 10–12 minutes, until al dente. Drain using a colander and set aside.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: Boiling
Blend Sauce Base
While the pasta cooks, place 1 cup cottage cheese, 5 oz shredded cheddar, 1 cup milk, 1.5 tbsp cornstarch, and optional spices (½ tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp ground mustard, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ¼ tsp onion salt, ¼ tsp black pepper) into a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth.
Time: PT5M
Cook Sauce
Transfer the blended mixture to a medium saucepan set over low heat. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low heat
Mix Pasta with Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the saucepan. Toss gently to coat the noodles evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes on low heat to let the flavors meld.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Low heat
Add Chicken and Bacon
Stir in 12 oz diced pre‑cooked chicken and 2 tbsp bacon bits (or your protein of choice). Heat for another 2 minutes until everything is warmed through.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Low heat
Portion for Meal Prep
Divide the mac and cheese into 4 airtight containers. Let cool to room temperature for 10 minutes, then seal and refrigerate.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 824
- Protein
- 37g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 17g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: High‑protein, Can be made gluten‑free with chickpea pasta, Can be made low‑fat by using reduced‑fat cheese and milk
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Eggs (if using fortified pasta), Soy (if soy milk is used)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pasta: chickpea pasta, lentil pasta, whole wheat pasta
- Instead of Low Sodium Bone Broth: low sodium chicken broth, low sodium vegetable broth
- Instead of Cottage Cheese: Greek yogurt, Ricotta cheese
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Mozzarella
- Instead of Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Corn Starch: Arrowroot powder, All‑purpose flour
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Ground Mustard: Dijon mustard (use less), Yellow mustard
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika, Chipotle powder
- Instead of Onion Salt: Regular salt + onion powder
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Pre‑cooked Chicken: Cooked turkey, Canned tuna, Cooked beef strips
- Instead of Bacon Bits: Crispy pancetta, Turkey bacon bits
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Blender or Food Processor
- Medium Saucepan
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Airtight Meal‑Prep Containers
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking pasta in bone broth to add protein and flavor.
- Blending sauce until completely smooth to avoid lumps.
- Thickening the sauce over low heat without boiling.
- Ensuring added chicken is heated through to safe temperature.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑protein chickpea or lentil pasta for an extra protein boost.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth.
- Swap cheddar for a sharp aged cheese for a richer flavor profile.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin after cooking.
Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the sauce over low heat until thickened.
Sauce looks grainy or curdled.
Blend the sauce longer or use an immersion blender; keep the heat low and avoid boiling.
Pasta is overcooked and mushy.
Cook pasta al dente (1‑2 minutes less than package suggests) as it will continue cooking in the sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in airtight containers.
Freezer: Up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Room temperature: Not recommended; discard if left out >2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cool the mac and cheese slightly before sealing containers to prevent condensation.
- Freeze individual portions for longer storage; reheat directly from frozen for best texture.
- If the sauce separates after reheating, whisk in a splash of milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of high‑protein cottage cheese mac and cheese in American comfort food cuisine?
Mac and cheese is a classic American comfort dish that dates back to the early 1900s. Adding cottage cheese and bone broth is a modern, fitness‑focused twist that boosts protein while keeping the creamy texture beloved in American households.
What are the traditional regional variations of mac and cheese in the United States and how does this high‑protein version compare?
Traditional Southern mac and cheese often uses sharp cheddar and a breadcrumb topping, while New England versions may include lobster. The high‑protein version swaps some cheese for cottage cheese and cooks pasta in bone broth, keeping it creamy but adding extra protein for athletes and meal‑preppers.
How is authentic mac and cheese traditionally served in American households?
It is usually served hot as a side dish or main course, often baked with a crunchy topping. In this stovetop version, it is served creamy straight from the pan and portioned for meal prep, which reflects a contemporary, health‑oriented serving style.
What occasions or celebrations is mac and cheese traditionally associated with in American culture?
Mac and cheese appears at family gatherings, pot‑lucks, school lunches, and comfort‑food nights. Its versatility also makes it a popular dish for sports‑team meals and post‑workout nutrition, especially when boosted with extra protein.
How does high‑protein cottage cheese mac and cheese fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
It retains the indulgent, cheesy mouthfeel that defines American comfort food while incorporating nutrient‑dense ingredients like cottage cheese and bone broth, aligning with today’s health‑conscious twists on classic dishes.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for mac and cheese versus acceptable substitutes in this high‑protein recipe?
Traditional mac and cheese uses pasta, milk, butter, flour, and cheddar cheese. This recipe replaces butter and flour with cottage cheese and cornstarch, and uses bone broth instead of water. Acceptable substitutes include Greek yogurt for cottage cheese, almond milk for dairy milk, and gluten‑free pasta for regular pasta.
What other American dishes pair well with high‑protein cottage cheese mac and cheese?
It pairs nicely with grilled chicken salads, roasted vegetables, or a simple green bean almondine. For a full comfort‑food meal, serve alongside baked beans or a crisp coleslaw.
What makes high‑protein cottage cheese mac and cheese special or unique in American cuisine?
The use of cottage cheese and bone broth dramatically raises the protein content while keeping the dish creamy and affordable. This combination is rare in traditional recipes, making it a standout for fitness enthusiasts.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making high‑protein cottage cheese mac and cheese?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, letting the sauce boil (which can cause curdling), and not fully dissolving the cornstarch. Following low‑heat cooking and stirring constantly prevents these issues.
Why does this recipe use low‑sodium bone broth instead of water when cooking the pasta?
Bone broth adds extra protein, minerals, and a richer flavor without adding sodium. Cooking pasta in broth infuses the noodles with savory depth, reducing the need for additional seasoning.
Can I make high‑protein cottage cheese mac and cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, portion the cooked mac and cheese into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened.
What does the YouTube channel The Protein Chef specialize in?
The Protein Chef focuses on high‑protein, nutritious meals that are quick, affordable, and suitable for meal‑prepping. The channel emphasizes balanced macros, practical cooking techniques, and variations for different dietary goals.
How does the YouTube channel The Protein Chef's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
The Protein Chef adapts classic comfort dishes like mac and cheese by incorporating protein‑rich ingredients such as cottage cheese, bone broth, and lean meats, whereas many other channels stick to traditional recipes without macro optimization.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
