High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese (with Celery & Cauliflower Rice)
0 mins prep0 mins cook
This creamy, spicy mac & cheese is packed with protein and hidden veggies for extra nutrition. Blended cottage cheese makes the sauce ultra-creamy without heavy cream, while Banza pasta and cauliflower rice add fiber and texture.
0 servings
What you need
Instructions
1 1. Cook the Banza Pasta• Boil according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. 2 2. Sauté the Celery & Cauliflower Rice• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.• Add diced celery and cook for 2 minutes.• Stir in cauliflower rice and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until softened. 3 3. Blend the Cottage Cheese Sauce• In a blender, combine cottage cheese, milk, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth and creamy. 4 4. Melt the Cheese• Reduce heat to low and pour the blended sauce into the skillet with the celery and cauliflower rice.• Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and cook until melted and smooth. 5 5. Assemble the Mac & Cheese• Add the cooked Banza pasta and shredded chicken to the sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.• Season with salt & pepper to taste. 6 6. Optional: Bake for Extra Cheesiness• Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. 7 7. Garnish & Serve• Top with chopped bacon, green onions or blue cheese crumbles, if desired.View original recipe