High Protein Macaroni and Cheese with Peas

Elevate comfort food with this High Protein Macaroni and Cheese with Peas—an irresistibly creamy dish that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying. This recipe swaps traditional ingredients for wholesome alternatives like whole wheat macaroni, protein-rich cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt to pack in flavor and nutrients. A velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and parmesan is infused with sweet peas and tender shredded chicken for a balanced, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights or post-workout fuel. Ready in just 45 minutes, this protein-packed mac and cheese delivers a vibrant twist on a classic favorite while remaining family-friendly and easy to prepare. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings nutrition and comfort to every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole wheat macaroni
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic, then add them to the saucepan. Sauté for 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add this mixture to the saucepan with the onions and garlic, stirring well.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and almond milk to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the frozen peas, allowing them to heat through in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken breast to the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 7

Continue to heat everything through, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is hot and coated with the cheese sauce, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 8

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1918.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3050.2

Total Fat 128.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 60.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.8g
Cholesterol 490.5mg	0%
Sodium 5520.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 255.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.6g	0%
Total Sugars 65.8g
Protein 228.0g	0%

Vitamin D 145.8IU	0%
Calcium 2764.5mg	0%
Iron 16.5mg	0%
Potassium 2821.6mg	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: 37.4%

Protein: 29.5%

Carbs: 33.1%