Sambal Cumi Tuna Mac & Cheese
Creamy, cheesy and slightly spicy, this Sambal Cumi Tuna Mac & Cheese is a quick comfort meal with a bold seafood twist.
Instead of using a heavy cream sauce, this version combines cottage cheese, Greek yoghurt and milk for a creamy texture that still feels light. Tuna adds extra protein, while Honshitsu Kitchen Sambal Cumi brings savoury heat and little pieces of squid that give the dish more depth.
It is simple, filling and easy enough to make for a quick lunch or dinner.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 70g fusilli pasta
- ½ can tuna, drained
- 60g cottage cheese
- 30g plain Greek yoghurt
- 50–70ml milk
- 2 slice sandwich cheese
- 1–2 tsp Nusantara Sambal Cumi
- 1 tsp corn flour
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salt, if needed
- A little pasta water, as needed
Optional toppings
- 1 fried egg
- Spray oil
- Extra Sambal Cumi
How to Make Sambal Cumi Tuna Mac & Cheese
1. Cook the pasta
Cook the fusilli according to the packet instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve a small amount of pasta water.
2. Blend the sauce
Add the cottage cheese, Greek yoghurt, skim milk and corn flour to a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the sauce
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot while it is still hot.
Pour the blended sauce over the pasta and stir until the fusilli is evenly coated.
4. Make it cheesy
Tear the sandwich cheese into smaller pieces and add it directly to the hot pasta.
Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce and everything becomes creamy.
5. Add the tuna and Sambal Cumi
Stir in the drained tuna, followed by 1–2 teaspoons of Sambal Cumi.
Start with one teaspoon for a milder flavour, then add more if you prefer a stronger chilli kick.
6. Thicken the sauce
Place the pasta over low heat and stir for around 1–2 minutes.
As the sauce heats, the corn flour will help it thicken and cling to the pasta.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of pasta water or skim milk.
7. Serve
Finish with black pepper and taste before adding any extra salt.
For a more filling meal, top it with a fried egg and an extra spoonful of Sambal Cumi.
Why Sambal Cumi Works So Well
Mac and cheese is naturally rich and creamy, which makes it a great base for something bolder.
Sambal Cumi adds heat, savouriness and a subtle seafood flavour that pairs well with both tuna and cheese. The chilli helps cut through the richness of the sauce, while the squid adds an extra layer of flavour to every bite.
The result is familiar comfort food with a more exciting finish.
Make It Your Own
Prefer it spicier? Add another spoonful of Sambal Cumi on top before serving.
Want more protein? Add a fried egg or increase the amount of tuna.
You can also add vegetables such as spinach for a quick way to make the meal more substantial.
Creamy, Spicy and Satisfying
This Sambal Cumi Tuna Mac & Cheese is an easy way to turn a simple pasta dish into something with more flavour.
Creamy cheese sauce, savoury tuna and the bold heat of Sambal Cumi come together in a quick and satisfying meal that works perfectly for lunch or dinner.
Shop Nusantara Sambal Cumi and give your next mac and cheese a spicy seafood twist.