High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese (with Celery & Cauliflower Rice)
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.
Creator: Leslie Stokes
If you’re looking for a high-protein, gluten-free meal prep recipe that’s packed with flavor, this Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese is a must-try. It’s creamy, spicy, and loaded with hidden veggies—celery and cauliflower rice—for extra nutrition. Plus, the blended cottage cheese sauce keeps it rich and cheesy without adding heavy cream or butter.
In just one hour, you can prep multiple servings of this dish, making it perfect for busy weeks when you want something satisfying and nourishing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
High in Protein – Over 40g of protein per serving, thanks to cottage cheese, chicken, and chickpea pasta.
Gluten-Free & Fiber-Rich – Banza pasta adds fiber and keeps it gluten-free.
Hidden Veggies – Celery and cauliflower rice blend seamlessly into the dish for added nutrients.
Meal Prep Friendly – Stays creamy and delicious even after reheating.
Cooking Tips for the Best Buffalo Mac & Cheese
- Don’t Overcook Banza Pasta – It softens quickly, so drain it when it’s just al dente.
- Blend the Cottage Cheese Completely – This ensures a creamy texture without graininess.
- Let Cauliflower Rice Cook Thoroughly – Helps avoid excess moisture in the dish.
- Adjust the Spice Level – Use mild buffalo sauce for less heat or add extra hot sauce for a kick.
- For Meal Prep – Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Tips for this Meal Prep
Dairy-Free Ingredient Swaps:
- Cottage Cheese → Blended Silken Tofu or Dairy-Free Yogurt
- Silken tofu provides a similar protein boost and creamy texture.
- Unsweetened coconut or almond yogurt works for a tangy, creamy alternative.
- Milk → Unsweetened Almond or Cashew Milk
- Keeps the sauce smooth without adding unnecessary sweetness.
- Cheddar & Mozzarella → Dairy-Free Shredded Cheese
- I recommend Violife, Daiya, or Follow Your Heart for good meltability.
- Blue Cheese (for garnish) → Crushed Cashews or Dairy-Free Blue Cheese
- Crushed cashews add texture, or use dairy-free blue cheese alternatives.
High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese (with Celery & Cauliflower Rice)
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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Banza elbow noodles or other shape
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese blended until smooth
- ½ cup milk 2% or almond milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup buffalo sauce like Frank’s RedHot
- 2 tsp olive oil
- ½ cup diced celery
- 1 ½ cups cauliflower rice fresh or frozen
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie or crockpot
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese for topping, optional
- Chopped green onions or blue cheese crumbles for garnish, optional
Let's Make It
- 1. Cook the Banza Pasta• Boil according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Garnish & Serve• Top with chopped bacon, green onions or blue cheese crumbles, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Per Serving (4 Servings)
• Calories: 450
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 16g
