High Protein Classic Macaroni Cheese

Elevate comfort food to a nutritious new level with this High Protein Classic Macaroni Cheese recipe! Packed with tender bites of chicken breast, creamy cottage cheese, and a medley of melted cheddar and parmesan, this dish delivers indulgent flavor alongside a protein boost. A golden, crispy breadcrumb topping adds irresistible texture, while the silky homemade cheese sauce, infused with garlic powder and black pepper, ties it all together. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this oven-baked masterpiece is as satisfying as it is wholesome, offering 30 minutes of cooking time to create a cheesy, protein-packed casserole the whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the macaroni pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Continue cooking the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and add the cottage cheese, followed by the grated cheddar and parmesan cheeses, stirring until smooth and melted.

Step 7

Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cooked chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 11

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your high-protein cheesy delight!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1395.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3326.2

Total Fat 129.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 62.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 474.8mg	0%
Sodium 5967.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 350.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.4g	0%
Total Sugars 44.4g
Protein 183.4g	0%

Vitamin D 128.2IU	0%
Calcium 1734.9mg	0%
Iron 10.1mg	0%
Potassium 2397.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.3%

Protein: 22.3%

Carbs: 42.5%