High Protein Classic Baked Mac & Cheese
Indulge in creamy, comforting goodness with this High Protein Classic Baked Mac & Cheese, a wholesome and nutrient-packed twist on a timeless favorite! Made with whole wheat elbow macaroni, a velvety sauce featuring cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and skim milk, and a generous blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this recipe brings richness without compromise. The addition of lean diced chicken breast boosts the protein content, making it a satisfying and balanced meal for the whole family. Topped with golden, crispy bread crumbs and perfectly baked to bubbly perfection, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal preps, or a crowd-pleasing side at your next potluck. With just 25 minutes of prep time, get ready to enjoy a high-protein comfort food classic that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup skim milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 0.5 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the whole wheat elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the skim milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and slowly add the cheese sauce mixture, stirring continuously to incorporate.
Add the cooked macaroni and diced chicken breast into the bowl and mix everything until the pasta is well coated.
Transfer the macaroni mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and olive oil until crumbs are moist. Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the macaroni mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your high-protein baked mac and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3450 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 156.3 g | 200% | |
| Saturated Fat | 82.1 g | 410% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 971 mg | 324% | |
| Sodium | 5617 mg | 244% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 271.8 g | 99% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.1 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 46.6 g | ||
| Protein | 237.9 g | 476% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.1 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 2908 mg | 224% | |
| Iron | 16.4 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 2212 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
