High Protein Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage

Elevate your comfort food game with this High Protein Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage—a hearty twist on the classic dish that's bursting with rich, cheesy flavor and a satisfying dose of protein. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with slices of savory, golden-browned chicken sausage, coated in a creamy three-cheese sauce made with cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, enhanced by the tanginess of Greek yogurt for a protein-packed boost. A touch of garlic, paprika, and black pepper adds depth to every bite, while a quick broil creates a golden, bubbly top for added texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish is a wholesome, crowd-pleasing favorite that balances indulgence with nutritional benefits.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Stir in the Greek yogurt until well combined.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Add the cooked macaroni and sausage to the skillet, tossing until everything is evenly coated in the cheese sauce.

Step 9

Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish if desired and broil for 3-5 minutes for a crispy top.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2133.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4653.5

Total Fat 249.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 120.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.2g
Cholesterol 768.1mg	0%
Sodium 8618.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 343.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.4g	0%
Total Sugars 54.4g
Protein 246.5g	0%

Vitamin D 322.1IU	0%
Calcium 4033.4mg	0%
Iron 17.0mg	0%
Potassium 2350.9mg	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: 48.8%

Protein: 21.4%

Carbs: 29.8%