This isn’t your average mac and cheese—it’s rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor. The secret? Cottage cheese. It adds extra protein and a silky texture that makes every bite satisfying. Tossed with crispy bacon and topped with buttery golden breadcrumbs, this mac hits all the cozy, comforting tastes you crave!
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner for the whole family—rich, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Packed with tender chicken, a creamy garlic sauce... it’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights!
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Ingredients
- Onion
- Red Bell Pepper
- Canadian Cottage Cheese
- Canadian 2% Milk
- Breadcrumbs
- Canadian Cheddar Cheese
- Canadian Parmesan Cheese
- Corn Starch
- Cavatappi Pasta
- Low Sodium Bacon
- Canadian Unsalted Butter
- Green Onions
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for this Bacon mac and cheese recipe
Saute the red pepper & bacon!!
Blend the sauce together!
Add the pasta to the sauce!
Serve & enjoy!
- Sauté the veggies: In a bit of butter, cook the onion and bell pepper until soft and fragrant.
- Blend the sauce: Add all sauce ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Cook and thicken: Pour the sauce into a large pot over medium heat. Stir often until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and bacon to the sauce. Stir until everything is coated and heated through.
- Make the topping: In a small pan, melt the butter and toast the breadcrumbs until golden.
- Serve: Spoon the mac and cheese into bowls and top with the buttery breadcrumbs and fresh green onions.
Substitutions
- Cottage Cheese: Swap for ricotta or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture and protein boost.
- 2% Milk: Use whole milk, oat milk, or evaporated milk for extra creaminess.
- Cheddar Cheese: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gouda for a milder flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Substitute with Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano.
- Cavatappi Pasta: Use macaroni, penne, or rotini.
- Bacon: Replace with turkey bacon, pancetta, or veggie bacon.
- Red Bell Pepper: Substitute with roasted red peppers or chopped spinach.
- Breadcrumbs: Use crushed crackers, panko, or toasted oats.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. To freeze, cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Top tips
Blend until smooth: Make sure the sauce is completely blended for that silky, creamy texture.
Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts better and gives the sauce a richer, smoother finish.
Toast the breadcrumbs right before serving: It keeps the topping crisp and adds the perfect crunch contrast.
FAQ
Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake or reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
Absolutely. Any short pasta like macaroni, penne, or rotini works great—just cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.
Yes, it’s totally optional. You can leave it out for a vegetarian version or swap it with sautéed mushrooms or smoky tempeh for a similar flavor kick.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite desserts to serve with [this recipe]:
Easy & Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté the veggies: In a bit of butter, cook the bacon and bell pepper until soft and fragrant.
- Blend the sauce: Add all sauce ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Cook and thicken: Pour the sauce into a large pot over medium heat. Stir often until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and bacon to the sauce. Stir until everything is coated and heated through.
- Make the topping: In a small pan, melt the butter and toast the breadcrumbs until golden.
- Serve: Spoon the mac and cheese into bowls and top with the buttery breadcrumbs and fresh green onions.
Food safety
We sometimes take for a granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience, that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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