High Protein Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage
Elevate your comfort food game with this High Protein Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage recipe, a hearty twist on the classic dish that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. Featuring tender elbow macaroni, flavorful slices of browned chicken sausage, and an ultra-creamy cheese sauce made with Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost, this dish combines wholesome ingredients with indulgent flavors. A trio of cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan—melds into a rich, velvety sauce, perfectly spiced with garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. With minimal prep time and easy-to-follow steps, this protein-packed meal is ideal for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. For added texture, you can broil it to achieve a golden, crispy topping. Serve hot and savor every cheesy bite—it’s comfort food with a nourishing twist! Key phrases: protein macaroni and cheese recipe, chicken sausage pasta, healthy comfort food ideas, creamy pasta bake.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
Stir in the Greek yogurt until well combined.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Add the cooked macaroni and sausage to the skillet, tossing until everything is evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish if desired and broil for 3-5 minutes for a crispy top.
Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4654 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 249.7 g | 320% | |
| Saturated Fat | 120.6 g | 603% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 768 mg | 256% | |
| Sodium | 8618 mg | 375% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 343.6 g | 125% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.4 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 54.4 g | ||
| Protein | 246.5 g | 493% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.1 mcg | 40% | |
| Calcium | 4033 mg | 310% | |
| Iron | 17.0 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 2351 mg | 50% | |
*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.
