High Protein Crockpot Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This High Protein Crockpot Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on a classic favorite. Using cottage cheese adds a boost of protein while keeping the dish rich and cheesy. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

• 10 oz elbow pasta
• 16 oz cottage cheese
• 2.5 cups shredded cheese (Tillamook cheddar recommended)
• 1 stick butter (Kerrygold unsalted butter recommended)
• 2.5 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line your slow cooker with a disposable liner or lightly spray the interior with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Step 2: Measure out all ingredients into small bowls for smooth assembly—uncooked pasta, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, butter, and water.
3. Step 3: Add the dry elbow pasta to the slow cooker as the first layer. Spread the cottage cheese evenly over the pasta, breaking it up slightly with a spoon for even distribution.
4. Step 4: Layer the butter slices on top of the cottage cheese, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the garlic powder and black pepper evenly over the cheese layer.
6. Step 6: Pour the 2.5 cups of water carefully over the ingredients without stirring to maintain the layering.
7. Step 7: Cover and cook on high for 2.5 hours. If not using a liner, stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
8. Step 8: Once done, stir the entire mixture well to combine all melted cheeses with the tender pasta. Let rest a couple of minutes before serving hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup and to avoid stirring during cooking.
• Try adding cooked bacon or diced ham for extra savory flavor.
• Swap half the cheddar for mozzarella for a creamier texture.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the pasta tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any small pasta shape like shells, rotini, or penne will work well. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly.

Do I have to use cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese adds protein and creaminess, but you can substitute ricotta or Greek yogurt if preferred. The texture and protein content will differ slightly.

High Protein Crockpot Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 129 reviews

This High Protein Crockpot Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that combines the richness of cheddar and cottage cheese with tender elbow pasta, all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it delivers a satisfying, protein-packed take on classic mac and cheese without requiring constant attention.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• 10 oz elbow pasta
• 16 oz cottage cheese
• 2.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Tillamook recommended)
• 1 stick unsalted butter (Kerrygold recommended)
• 2.5 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Line your slow cooker with a disposable liner or lightly spray the interior with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Assemble Ingredients: Measure all ingredients into separate bowls: uncooked elbow pasta, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, butter, and water to have everything ready for quick assembly.
3. Layer Ingredients: Add the dry elbow pasta as the bottom layer in the slow cooker. Spread the cottage cheese evenly over the pasta, breaking it up slightly for even distribution. Add slices of butter on top, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the layers.
4. Season and Add Water: Sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper evenly over the cheese layer. Carefully pour 2.5 cups of water over all ingredients without stirring to maintain the layered structure.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2.5 hours. If not using a liner, stir once halfway through (around 1 hour 15 minutes) to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
6. Finish and Serve: After cooking, stir the entire mixture to combine the melted cheeses and tender pasta into a creamy sauce. Let rest a couple of minutes, then serve hot directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish.

Notes

• Using a slow cooker liner greatly reduces cleaning and prevents sticking, eliminating the need to stir during cooking.
• If a liner is not used, be sure to stir once midway through cooking to prevent burning.
• Breaking up cottage cheese before layering helps it distribute evenly during cooking.
• Resisting stirring before cooking is important to maintain the correct water distribution for tender pasta.
• For best flavor, use high-quality cheddar and unsalted butter like Tillamook and Kerrygold.

Keywords: high protein mac and cheese, cottage cheese mac and cheese, crockpot mac and cheese, slow cooker pasta, creamy mac and cheese, healthy comfort food