White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

This creamy, dreamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. Made with protein-packed chickpea pasta and a velvety smooth cheese sauce, it delivers all the comfort food satisfaction without the guilt. The secret? A clever blend of cottage cheese and white cheddar creates the most luxurious texture while keeping things lighter than traditional mac and cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings when you need something delicious and satisfying on the table fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Protein-Packed: Thanks to the chickpea pasta and cottage cheese, this mac and cheese delivers a serious protein boost compared to traditional versions.
• Quick and Easy: From start to finish in just 25 minutes – perfect for those nights when cooking feels like too much effort but you still want something homemade.
• Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and mild white cheddar flavor make this a hit with even the pickiest eaters. They’ll never guess you’ve sneaked in some extra nutrition!
• Perfectly Creamy: No grainy, separated cheese sauce here! The blending technique creates a silky smooth texture that coats every bite of pasta beautifully.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chickpea cavatappi noodles: These protein-rich noodles hold up beautifully in the sauce and add a subtle nutty flavor. Plus, they pack in more nutrition than regular pasta!
• Yellow onion: Finely minced for flavor without chunky texture – the secret to depth of flavor without kids detecting it.
• Garlic: Adds that essential savory note that makes everything taste better.
• Low-fat milk: Creates the base for our silky sauce without adding too much heaviness.
• Low-fat cottage cheese: My secret weapon! When blended smooth, it adds incredible creaminess and protein without the heaviness of cream.
• All-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken our sauce to that perfect, clingy consistency.
• White cheddar cheese: Provides that sharp, distinctive flavor that makes this mac and cheese irresistible. Always shred your own for the smoothest melt!
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together – don’t skimp here!
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to cut through the richness.

Variations

Want to customize your mac and cheese? Here are some fantastic ways to make it your own:

• Veggie Boost: Fold in steamed broccoli florets, peas, or roasted cauliflower for extra nutrition.
• Protein Plus: Add diced ham, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy bacon bits for a heartier meal.
• Cheese Blend: Try mixing in some smoked gouda or gruyère along with the white cheddar for more complex flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a few dashes of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or some diced jalapeños for heat lovers.
• Breadcrumb Topping: Transfer to a baking dish, top with whole wheat breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of olive oil, and broil until golden for a crunchy finish.

How to Make White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook your chickpea cavatappi according to package directions. I recommend cooking it just to al dente since it will continue to soften slightly in the sauce. Drain but don’t rinse – that bit of starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling better!

Step 2: Prepare the Flavor Base

While your pasta is boiling, spray a large pan with cooking spray and heat over medium. Add those finely minced onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its fragrance – about 3-4 minutes. The key is to get them soft without browning.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Here’s where the magic happens! In a separate bowl, blend the milk and cottage cheese until completely smooth – not a lump in sight. This transforms cottage cheese from chunky to silky. Add the flour and blend again to incorporate. This mixture is the secret to our creamy, protein-boosted sauce.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Pour your milk mixture into the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic. This is where patience pays off – stir continuously over medium heat until you notice the sauce beginning to thicken. It happens surprisingly quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Once thickened, reduce the heat to low – this prevents the cheese from seizing up or becoming grainy. Add your freshly shredded white cheddar in handfuls, stirring after each addition until fully melted. This gradual approach ensures a silky-smooth cheese sauce.

Step 6: Combine and Season

Add your cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, folding gently until every piece is gloriously coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and don’t be shy with the freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Take the extra minute to shred it yourself – you’ll taste the difference!
• Keep the Heat Low: When adding cheese to your sauce, low and slow is the way to go. High heat can cause the proteins to seize and create a grainy texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since it will continue to soften slightly in the hot sauce, aim for just shy of al dente when boiling.
• Blend Thoroughly: Take your time when blending the cottage cheese mixture – those extra 30 seconds make all the difference between a silky sauce and one with unwanted texture.
• Season at the End: Wait until your sauce is complete before adding salt, as the cheese brings its own saltiness to the dish.

How to Serve

This White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is versatile enough to serve as a main dish or spectacular side. Here are my favorite pairings:

As a Main:

Serve with a crisp side salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese. A simple blend of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers works perfectly.

As a Side:

This mac and cheese complements grilled or roasted proteins beautifully. Try it alongside baked chicken, a juicy burger, or even as a sophisticated side to steak.

Garnish Ideas:

A sprinkle of extra shredded white cheddar, fresh herbs, or a light dusting of smoked paprika adds a professional touch. For texture contrast, a sprinkle of toasted panko breadcrumbs is delightful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled, but don’t worry – this is normal!

Freezing

While you can freeze portions for up to 1 month, be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze in individual portions in airtight containers.

Reheating

For the creamiest results when reheating, warm it slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore the sauce’s silky texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning. Microwave reheating works too – just use 50% power and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of chickpea pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape works beautifully in this recipe. Traditional elbow macaroni, shells, or even penne are great substitutes. Just follow the cooking instructions on your pasta package, as cooking times may vary.

My sauce seems too thick. How can I fix it?
An easy fix! Simply add additional warm milk, a tablespoon at a time, while stirring until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so it’s better to err on the slightly thinner side.

Can I make this recipe completely gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Most 1:1 gluten-free flour blends work perfectly for thickening sauces. Just make sure your chickpea pasta is certified gluten-free if that’s a concern.

Is there a substitute for cottage cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt. Both will provide creaminess, though the protein content and texture will vary slightly. Just make sure to blend thoroughly for that smooth consistency.

Final Thoughts

This White Cheddar Mac and Cheese delivers that perfect balance of comfort food satisfaction and wholesome ingredients. I love how it transforms a classic favorite into something you can feel good about serving any night of the week. The protein-packed pasta and clever cottage cheese trick make this recipe a standout that’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Give it a try when you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying – I guarantee you’ll be coming back for seconds!

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