Ingredients
- High-Protein Elbow Macaroni (e.g., Banza or lentil pasta): 8 oz
- Cooked, Shredded Chicken Breast: 1.5 cups
- Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: 1 cup
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup
- Honey BBQ Sauce (divided): 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons for topping
- Unsweetened Almond Milk (or skim milk): 1/4 cup
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the pasta and chicken. Cook the macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, toss the shredded chicken breast with the 1/2 cup of Honey BBQ Sauce in a medium bowl until fully coated.
- Step 2: Create the high-protein cheese base. Add the cottage cheese and the almond milk to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Step 3: Heat the cheese sauce. Transfer the blended cottage cheese mixture to a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and garlic powder. Continue stirring until the cheddar is fully melted and the sauce is hot and cohesive.
- Step 4: Combine the components. Add the cooked pasta and the BBQ chicken mixture into the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and the mac and cheese is thoroughly heated through.
- Step 5: Serve immediately. Divide the mac and cheese into bowls, topping each serving with a light drizzle of the reserved 2 tablespoons of Honey BBQ sauce before serving.
Notes
- When storing leftovers, seal them tightly and consider adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to the container, as this will prevent the high-protein sauce from tightening up too much as it cools.
- To reheat, use the stove on low heat, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or water while stirring constantly; this prevents the cottage cheese sauce from separating or scorching.
- Achieving a velvety smooth mac and cheese relies heavily on blending: make sure to blend the cottage cheese mixture for at least 60 seconds until absolutely no curds remain, guaranteeing a perfectly creamy sauce base.
- For a refreshing crunch and textural contrast, serve this rich, smoky mac and cheese alongside a simple, vinegary coleslaw or top with crispy fried onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 575
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: *The % Daily Value for Protein and Unsaturated Fat is not typically established.
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 12g