Healthier Mac 'n Cheese with Basil & Bread Crumbs Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 oz. dry whole-wheat pasta
• ⅓ cup fresh bread crumbs
• ½ tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 cup 2% cottage cheese
• 2 tsp. prepared yellow mustard
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
• 2 cups skim milk, divided
• ¼ cup diced onion
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz.)
• 1 Tbsp. minced fresh basil, plus more for garnish