High Protein Classic Macaroni Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this **High Protein Classic Macaroni Cheese** recipe—a hearty, protein-packed twist on the beloved classic! Featuring tender chunks of golden-browned chicken breast, creamy cottage cheese, and a velvety cheddar and parmesan sauce, this dish combines indulgent flavors with wholesome nutrition. A crisp breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch, while al dente macaroni serves as the ultimate base for this cheesy masterpiece. Ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is ready in just 50 minutes and serves four generously. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish is a satisfying and guilt-free way to enjoy mac 'n' cheese. Perfect for those looking for high-protein comfort food ideas or easy baked pasta recipes, it’s sure to become a new favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams macaroni pasta
- 200 grams chicken breast
- 250 grams cottage cheese
- 250 ml milk
- 200 grams cheddar cheese
- 50 grams parmesan cheese
- 50 grams breadcrumbs
- 30 grams butter
- 30 grams all-purpose flour
- 5 grams garlic powder
- 5 grams salt
- 3 grams black pepper
- 15 ml olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the macaroni pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and add to the pan. Cook until no longer pink and slightly golden, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for 1 minute to form a roux, then gradually whisk in the milk.
Continue cooking the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cottage cheese, followed by the grated cheddar and parmesan cheeses, stirring until smooth and melted.
Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cooked chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your high-protein cheesy delight!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3326 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 129.2 g | 166% | |
| Saturated Fat | 62.2 g | 311% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 475 mg | 158% | |
| Sodium | 5967 mg | 259% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 350.0 g | 127% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.4 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.4 g | ||
| Protein | 183.4 g | 367% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.2 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 1735 mg | 133% | |
| Iron | 10.1 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 2397 mg | 51% | |
*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.
