My mother clipped this from a magazine in 1965 and made it every Sunday after church. Still the first thing requested at every family dinner
Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Creamy Cheese Pasta Bake is a rich, satisfying dish that brings pure comfort to the dinner table with minimal effort. By combining classic elbow macaroni with creamy cottage cheese, sharp shredded cheddar, and smooth milk, this recipe offers a deliciously decadent take on classic baked mac and cheese. Using cottage cheese adds a wonderful, velvety richness to the sauce while keeping the preparation incredibly fast and simple for any home cook.
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Whether you are looking for an easy weeknight meal that kids will devour or a warm, cheesy side dish to bring to a potluck, this baked pasta dish is a fantastic solution. As it bakes in the oven, the ingredients melt together into a bubbly, comforting masterpiece topped with a lovely golden layer of toasted cheddar. It is simple home cooking at its finest, requiring only four basic ingredients to create a memorable, crowd-pleasing dinner.
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Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Creamy Cheese Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Elbow macaroni | 8 ounces |
| Cottage cheese | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheddar cheese, divided | 2 cups |
| Milk | 1 cup |
Step-By-Step Directions:
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a medium glass casserole dish.
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Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 8 ounces of elbow macaroni just until tender. Drain well.
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Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large bowl, stir together the 2 cups of cottage cheese, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of milk until evenly combined.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese mixture and stir until all of the pasta is well coated.
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Transfer to Casserole Dish: Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
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Bake to Bubbly Golden: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets slightly.
