33g Protein Baked Mac & Cheese – Comfort Food Reinvented

Introduction

If you’re searching for a satisfying dish that hits all the nostalgic notes of classic comfort food while packing a powerful protein punch, this 33g Protein Baked Mac & Cheese – Comfort Food Reinvented is your answer. It delivers that gooey, cheesy, bubbly goodness everyone loves, but with a smarter twist: high-protein ingredients ensure you stay full and fueled while keeping things deliciously indulgent.

Why This High-Protein Mac & Cheese Stands Out

Traditional mac and cheese is cozy but often lacking in balanced nutrition. This recipe upgrades the classic by incorporating higher-protein pasta and a cheese sauce fortified with Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and lean chicken breast. Each serving delivers a whopping 33g of protein, making it perfect for active lifestyles or anyone craving comfort without compromise.

The Secret to Creamy, Protein-Packed Cheese Sauce

A blend of low-fat milk, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt achieves a lusciously creamy sauce without excess fat or heaviness. Blended until silky-smooth, these ingredients add both richness and protein. Sharp cheddar and a sprinkle of Parmesan create the essential melt and flavor, while cooked, diced lean chicken breast provides substance in every bite. A pinch of smoked paprika, ground mustard, and black pepper round out the sauce for a flavor profile that’s both familiar and elevated.

Assembly: Layers of Comfort and Protein

Combine the protein pasta, cheesy sauce, and chicken, then pour into a baking dish. Finish with more shredded cheddar and a crisp whole-wheat panko topping, then bake until golden and bubbling. The result: Every forkful brings together creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures with the staying power of a well-balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions: A Complete, Satisfying Meal

Serve your 33g Protein Baked Mac & Cheese with a simple side salad or steamed green beans for a complete meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this the ideal make-ahead lunch or weeknight dinner. For added freshness, sprinkle with chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4, and each portion contains approximately 33g of protein, 420 calories, and is packed with calcium and B-vitamins. It’s a balanced meal that will satisfy both taste buds and nutritional goals.

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the high-protein macaroni according to package instructions, reducing 1–2 minutes from the suggested time (for firm pasta). Drain and set aside.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, low-fat milk, cornstarch, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and black pepper. Blend until completely smooth.
4. Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly, 3–4 minutes.
5. Gently fold the drained pasta and diced chicken breast into the cheese sauce. Mix well, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top.
6. In a small bowl, toss whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs with olive oil, then sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
7. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Cool slightly before serving. Garnish as desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This protein-packed mac & cheese is a game changer for weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to plan when to make it and consolidate all your meal ingredients into one smart shopping list—eliminating double-buys and missed essentials.

**Planning Benefits:**
– Automatically calculates total ingredient counts across all recipes
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– Prevents ingredient waste and “oops” moments
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Pro tip: Planning high-protein recipes like this alongside your week’s salads, grain bowls, or sheet pan dinners means more efficient pantry use and no last-minute dashes to the store. Schedule your recipes here and see CookifyAI calculate exactly what—and how much—you need for a healthy week.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy a comfort food classic that fits your fitness—and flavor—goals!