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

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • High-protein pasta: 12 ounces (elbow, shells, or spirals)
  • Cheddar cheese: 2 cups shredded, divided
  • Low-fat mozzarella or Monterey Jack: 1 cup shredded
  • Parmesan: 1/3 cup grated
  • Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat): 1 cup
  • Milk: 2 cups (2% or skim)
  • Chicken broth: 1 cup, low sodium
  • Butter or olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Flour: 2 tablespoons (for the roux)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Dry mustard: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for classic mac flavor)
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Panko or whole-wheat breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (optional topping)
  • Olive oil spray or a drizzle for the topping

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil in salted water until very al dente (1–2 minutes shy of package time). Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the roux: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking until lightly foamy. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  4. Build the sauce: Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth. Add onion powder, smoked paprika, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–5 minutes, whisking, until thick enough to coat a spoon.
  5. Stir in cheeses: Off the heat, add 1.5 cups cheddar, all the mozzarella, and Parmesan. Whisk until melted and smooth.
  6. Add Greek yogurt: Whisk in yogurt until the sauce turns glossy and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Combine: Fold in cooked chicken and the drained pasta. The mixture should be saucy; it will thicken in the oven.
  8. Assemble: Transfer to the baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar. If using, top with panko and mist with olive oil spray.
  9. Bake: Bake 18–22 minutes until bubbling at the edges. Broil 1–2 minutes to brown the top, watching closely.
  10. Rest and serve: Let it sit 5–10 minutes so the sauce sets. Scoop and enjoy.