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High Protein Mac and Cheese With Chicken - Comfort Food With a Nutritious Boost

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta: 12 ounces elbow macaroni or high-protein pasta (chickpea or lentil pasta works well)
  • Chicken: 1 to 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (or rotisserie chicken, shredded)
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, for cooking the chicken
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons
  • All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons (for the roux)
  • Milk: 2 cups 2% or whole milk
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: 1 cup
  • Plain Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup (2% or 0%)
  • Shredded sharp cheddar: 1.5 cups
  • Shredded part-skim mozzarella or Monterey Jack: 1/2 cup
  • Grated Parmesan: 1/4 cup
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Mustard: 1 teaspoon Dijon or yellow mustard (optional, for tang)
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Optional topping: 1/3 cup whole-wheat panko mixed with 1 teaspoon olive oil and a pinch of paprika
  • Optional add-ins: 1 to 2 cups steamed broccoli or peas

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than package). Drain and set aside.
  2. Season and cook the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F). Rest 5 minutes, then dice or shred.
  3. Make the roux: In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring, until lightly golden and nutty.
  4. Build the sauce: Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth. Simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened, 3–5 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
  5. Add seasonings and yogurt: Whisk in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Turn off the heat briefly, then whisk in Greek yogurt until smooth.
  6. Melt in the cheese: Return heat to low. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan by small handfuls, stirring until melted and creamy. If too thick, add a splash of milk or broth.
  7. Combine: Add cooked pasta and chicken to the pot. Fold gently until everything is coated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  8. Optional bake: Heat broiler to high. Transfer mac to a broiler-safe dish. Sprinkle with panko topping. Broil 1–3 minutes until golden. Watch closely.
  9. Serve: Let it sit 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if you like.