Healthy Cheesy Mac & Cheese with Bacon & Broccoli
Comfort food gets a wholesome upgrade in this creamy, cheesy mac and cheese packed with crispy bacon, broccoli and fresh spinach. Using cottage cheese and nourishing chicken bone broth creates a rich, velvety sauce without the heaviness of a traditional version, while a golden sourdough crumb topping adds the perfect crunchy finish. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet indulgent enough to share with family and friends, this baked pasta dish is guaranteed to become a comforting household favourite.
Serves: 4-6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 300g macaroni or pasta shells – product
- 200g shortcut bacon, diced
- 1 small broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 250g cottage cheese – product
- 1 ½ cups sliced cheddar – product
- 1L chicken bone broth – product
- 1/2 cup fresh sourdough breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and cracked black pepper
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Toss the sourdough crumbs with the olive oil and cook on medium/low until golden and crisp.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, fry the bacon until golden. Add the broccoli and broth, then simmer for 4–5 minutes until the broccoli is just tender.
- Add the cottage cheese and stir through the cheddar until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and spinach, stirring until the spinach has wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with the toasted sourdough crumbs and extra cheese. Bake until golden. Serve immediately.
Recipe & photographs created by @cecilevadas
