Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
While the macaroni is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your mac and cheese bakes evenly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, milk, beaten egg, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Use a whisk to mix everything together until smooth.
Once the macaroni is drained, add it to the cheese mixture. Stir well until every piece of macaroni is coated with the creamy cheese blend.
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. If you like, you can sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Once out of the oven, let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Dig in and enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish!