Double Cheese Macaroni
Creamy double cheese macaroni combines rich Gouda and cottage cheese with savory olives, pimentos, and walnuts, ideal for a comforting family meal with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. rigatoni macaroni ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar pimentos or 1 large tomato ⓘ
- 1/3 c. pitted black olives ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 c. cottage cheese
- 1 c. dairy sour cream
- 1/2 c. milk
- 1/3 c. chili sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Gouda cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1/4 c. bread crumbs ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and drain rigatoni macaroni.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan.
- Add olives, tomato pieces, 1/4 cup parsley, salt, and pepper; mix together.
- Pour the mixture over the cooked macaroni and toss lightly.
- Transfer to a shallow 2-quart baking dish.
- Mix cottage cheese, sour cream, milk, and chili sauce together and pour over the macaroni mixture.
- Saute bread crumbs and walnuts in remaining butter until golden brown.
- Sprinkle crumbs, nuts, the remaining parsley, and grated Gouda cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. If you want a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the olive mixture. You can also substitute the black olives with green olives for a different flavor. If Gouda is unavailable, try a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a delicious twist. This dish can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Double Cheese Macaroni is perfect as a main dish, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Garlic Bread or a fresh Tomato Salad to complement the cheesy flavors. For a casual gathering, this dish makes a great centerpiece alongside Cereal Party Mix for snacks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Double Cheese Macaroni contains roughly 348 calories, with 13g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 569mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This Double Cheese Macaroni is already vegetarian-friendly with its use of dairy and vegetables. Just ensure that any sauces or additional ingredients you choose to add are also vegetarian. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Can I freeze Double Cheese Macaroni?
Yes, you can freeze the Double Cheese Macaroni before baking. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing.
What kind of pasta can I use instead of rigatoni?
If you don't have rigatoni, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or ziti. Just ensure that the pasta is a sturdy shape that can hold up to the creamy sauce. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).