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Low Calorie High Protein Mac and Cheese

A creamy, guilt-free mac and cheese packed with protein using a secret cottage cheese sauce and tender chicken breast.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Meal Prep
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Pasta
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
  • 1 lb chicken breast boneless, skinless, cubed
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
Protein Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 0.5 cup skim milk
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast optional
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp mustard powder

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Non-stick skillet
  • Blender or Food Processor
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente.
  2. While water heats, season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6-8 mins until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, milk, onion powder, mustard powder, and nutritional yeast. Blend on high until completely smooth.
  5. Pour the blended sauce into the skillet used for chicken over low heat.
  6. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Add cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce. Toss to coat and heat through for 1 minute.
  8. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce texture.