If you love comfort food but want to hit your daily macros, you are going to be obsessed with this High-Protein Spicy Cheesy Rotini. Creamy, rich, and packed with bold flavor, this dish gives you all the cozy vibes of a classic baked mac and cheese while delivering an impressive 65 grams of protein per serving. It is filling, indulgent, and about to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
The secret to making this pasta so ultra-creamy without feeling overly heavy comes down to the sauce base. Blending whole milk cottage cheese with organic chicken bone broth creates a velvety texture that melts into the shredded habanero, white cheddar, and parmesan cheeses. Tossed with chickpea pasta and tender sliced chicken breast, every single bite is packed with a smoky, spicy kick and maximum nutrition.
Whether you need a quick 20-minute dinner or an effortless option for meal prep, this recipe checks every box.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Massive Protein Boost: Packed with 65g of protein per portion to keep you full for hours.
- Ultra-Creamy Texture: Cottage cheese creates a rich, smooth sauce without heavy cream.
- Bold Spicy Kick: Shredded habanero cheese adds the perfect heat to balance the sharp cheddar.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Holds up amazingly in the fridge for easy lunches all week long.
- Made with Whole Ingredients: Nutrient-dense chickpea rotini and bone broth boost every bite.
Optional Additions & Variations This recipe is extremely versatile and easy to adapt based on what you have in your pantry or your personal spice preference:
- Tone Down the Heat: Swap the habanero cheese for extra white cheddar or Monterey Jack for a milder profile.
- Add Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli florets, baby spinach, or roasted red peppers.
- Switch the Protein: Swap sliced chicken breast for lean ground turkey, grilled shrimp, or sliced turkey sausage.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds over the top before serving.
- Different Pasta Shapes: Chickpea penne, cavatappi, or shell pasta all work exceptionally well to catch the cheese sauce.
What You’ll Need
- Banza Chickpea Rotini: Adds fiber and extra plant-based protein.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Kept simple and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
- 4% Cottage Cheese: The key ingredient for a thick, macro-friendly cream base.
- Cabot Shredded Habanero Cheese: Delivers heat and sharp cheesy flavor.
- Cabot Shredded White Cheddar Cheese: Adds classic melt and rich flavor.
- Dry Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty bite to balance the sauce.
- Organic Whole Milk & Chicken Bone Broth: Creates the perfect velvety liquid ratio for blending.
- Garlic Powder, Salt, & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings to elevate the cheesy base.
Tips for the Best High-Protein Cheesy Pasta
- Use a High-Speed Blender: Blend the cottage cheese, bone broth, milk, and garlic powder until completely smooth before heating to ensure a silk-like texture.
- Melt Over Low Heat: Warm the cheese sauce gently on low heat so the cheeses melt smoothly without separating.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Toss in a splash of starchy pasta water if you prefer a thinner sauce consistency.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts much smoother than pre-bagged varieties.
How to Store & Reheat
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Add a tiny splash of milk or bone broth to restore the creaminess of the sauce.
High Protein Spicy & Cheesy Rotini Pasta
A creamy, decadent spicy mac and cheese packed with an incredible 65 grams of protein per serving to keep you full, satisfied, and nourished!
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Chicken:
For the Cheesy Sauce:
Instructions
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Sauté the Chicken & Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and optional chopped onion, cooking until the chicken is warmed through and the onions are soft and fragrant.
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Deglaze with Broth: Pour the chicken bone broth into the skillet with the chicken. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to absorb those savory flavors, then temporarily remove the skillet from the heat.
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Blend the Sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine the cottage cheese, habanero cheese, white cheddar, Parmesan, whole milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend on high until completely smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.
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Combine & Simmer: Pour the blended cheese sauce directly into the skillet over low heat with the chicken and broth. Stir well to combine.
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Add Pasta & Bubble: Fold in the cooked Banza rotini along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer for just a few minutes, stirring continuously so the sauce coats every spiral.
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Thicken & Serve: Remove from the heat and let the pasta rest for 5–10 minutes. The sauce will thicken up into a rich, velvety coating as it cools. Serve warm!
