Pecan Mac and Cheese Bake

With cheddar and ricotta cheeses, sour cream and cavatappi noodles, this Pecan Mac and Cheese Bake is an extra creamy, creative twist on the kid-friendly classic.

This recipe combines the classic comfort of a creamy, gooey mac and cheese with the nuttiness of toasted pecans for a unique and delicious take on the classic.

The crunchy texture and rich flavor of the pecans complement the creamy, cheesy pasta, making this dish an indulgent treat that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a holiday meal. This post contains affiliate links.

Be sure to check out the rest of our easy pasta recipes, too!

Comfort Food with a Delicious Twist

During the winter months when brisk temperatures chill you to the bone.

Warming up with hearty dishes at the family table can bring everyone together.

Take comfort food to a whole new level with this wholesome Pecan Mac and Cheese Bake – a perfect way to cap off a day with loved ones.

This family dinner is made possible with tasty pecans, which are among the lowest in carbs and highest in fiber compared to other tree nuts, helping you stay fuller longer.

As a nutrient-dense powerhouse, they have 3 grams of plant-based protein and 3 grams of fiber per 1-ounce serving with 12 grams of “good” monounsaturated fat and only 2 grams of saturated fat.

Essential nutrients like thiamin, zinc, copper and manganese – a mineral that’s essential for metabolism and bone health – mean you can feel good about serving pecan-infused dishes to your loved ones.

And even the little ones can help in the kitchen to make this weeknight family favorite by stirring together all of the cheesy goodness!

Mac and Cheese with Pecan Breadcrumbs

Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

• 8 ounces cavatappi pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 block (8 ounces) cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup raw pecan pieces
• 15 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese
• 4 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 375 F.

In salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions.

Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Return pasta to pot and stir in butter.

Using box grater, shred cheddar cheese.

Using food processor, process 1/4 cup shredded cheese with pecans to coarse breadcrumb consistency.

Add remaining cheddar cheese, ricotta, sour cream, salt and pepper to warm pasta. Stir until thoroughly combined.

Add egg; stir. Add reserved pasta water to loosen mixture; stir until smooth.

Pour into buttered 9-inch square or round casserole dish and top evenly with pecan topping.

Bake 30 minutes.

Visit americanpecan.com to find more winter weeknight recipe inspiration.

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Pecan Mac and Cheese Bake

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

With cheddar and ricotta cheeses, sour cream and cavatappi noodles, this Pecan Mac and Cheese Bake is an extra creamy, creative twist on the kid-friendly classic.

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Ingredients

• 8 ounces cavatappi pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 block (8 ounces) cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup raw pecan pieces
• 15 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese
• 4 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Instructions

1. In salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Return pasta to pot and stir in butter.
2. Using box grater, shred cheddar cheese.
3. Using food processor, process 1/4 cup shredded cheese with pecans to coarse breadcrumb consistency.
4. Add remaining cheddar cheese, ricotta, sour cream, salt and pepper to warm pasta. Stir until thoroughly combined. Add egg; stir. Add reserved pasta water to loosen mixture; stir until smooth.
5. Pour into buttered 9-inch square or round casserole dish and top evenly with pecan topping.
6. Bake 30 minutes.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 283Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 483mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 13g

Nutrient values are only estimates provided by online calculators. Various factors can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.

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