Creating Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese is simple and rewarding. Follow these easy steps to bring this delightful dish to life:

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook for about 1 minute.

3. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Mix in Seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well.

5. Add Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

9. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.