Healthier Chuck s Favorite Mac and Cheese

8 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni

1 (8 ounce) package shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

12 ounces low-fat cottage cheese

1 (8 ounce) container light sour cream

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

salt and ground black pepper to taste

1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.

Stir together macaroni, shredded Cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix together bread crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl; sprinkle topping over macaroni mixture.

Bake until top is golden in the preheated oven, 30 to 35 minutes.