Lunch
High-Protein Mac & Cheese Bake
Creamy comfort food — choose a cauliflower or protein pasta base.
Meal Prep FriendlyComfort Food50g+ Protein
Time
15 min prep · 30 min bake
Yield
4 servings
Protein
54g
Ingredients
Base
- 16 oz Cooked Shredded Chicken Breast
- 1½ cups Low-Fat Cottage Cheese · ½ cup Plain 2% Greek Yogurt
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- ¾ cup Reduced-Fat Sharp Cheddar, divided
- ¼ cup Reduced-Fat Mozzarella · 1 tbsp Parmesan
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder · 1 tsp Onion Powder · ½ tsp Smoked Paprika · Salt & Pepper
Choose Your Base
- 🥦 Lower-Carb: 1 large head cauliflower, steamed fork-tender
- 🍝 Traditional: 8 oz dry protein pasta, cooked al dente
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- 2
Steam the cauliflower or cook the protein pasta.
- 3
Blend cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, Dijon, mozzarella, Parmesan, and ½ cup cheddar until smooth.
- 4
Stir together chicken, your chosen base, cheese sauce, and seasonings.
- 5
Pour into the baking dish and top with remaining cheddar.
- 6
Bake 25–30 min until hot and bubbly, then broil 2–3 min until lightly golden.
Nutrition · per serving (approx.)
Calories
350
Protein
54g
Fat
9g
Carbs
10g
Fiber
3g
Choose Your Adventure
🥦 Add Veggies
Broccoli, spinach, kale, mushrooms, roasted peppers.
🍝 Pasta Version
520 cal · 58g P · 38g C · 8g fiber — great for training days.