Creamy Baked Macaroni
The Starving Chef
Take your mac 'n' cheese to new heights with this creamy baked macaroni recipe featuring a velvety blend of cream cheese and cottage cheese, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 17 minutes mins
Total Time 27 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Pasta
- 1 box favorite mac & cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
- ¼ cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ cup panko
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon spicy dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
- 2 teaspoon dried parsley
- salt & pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the macaroni according to the instructions on the box.
In a small bowl, stir together the cottage cheese and cream cheese. Add the mustard, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Microwave it for 45 seconds to soften it further, and stir until smooth.
Strain the macaroni and stir in the cheese that comes in the box. Combine the cream cheese blend with the macaroni and stir until it is completely incorporated.
Spray a 9x9 baking dish with cooking spray. In another small bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, panko, parsley, and melted butter until a crumbly topping forms.
Pour the macaroni into the prepared baking dish and cover it with the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the top is nice and brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Keyword cheese, cream cheese, noodles, panko