Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

Steps

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain.

2. Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese, milk, cornstarch, mustard, salt, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth.

3. Pour into a large, deep skillet, then turn the skillet to medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce is slightly thickened, 3 to 5 minutes; some simmering is fine but do not let it boil.

4. Reduce the heat to low. Working one small handful at a time, stir in the cheddar (don’t add it all it once or it may clump), until it's melted and the sauce is smooth.

5. Add the drained pasta and stir to coat, loosening with a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed. The sauce should be creamy and glossy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.

6. Serve immediately, sprinkled with fresh chives as desired.