High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Mac

Creamy stovetop macaroni with tender broccoli, cottage cheese, milk, and cheddar for a quick, protein-rich vegetarian meal.

Prep: 5 min · Cook: 15 min · Yield: 4 · Method: Stovetop

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 0.5 cup whole milk
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Add the broccoli during the final 3 minutes of cooking, until bright green and tender-crisp. (about 10 min)
2. While the pasta cooks, blend the cottage cheese, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. (about 2 min)
3. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then return them to the warm pot over low heat. Pour in the cottage-cheese mixture and stir until hot and creamy, about 2 minutes. (about 2 min)
4. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cheddar until melted and smooth, then serve immediately. (about 1 min)