Take the boxed mac and cheese you love and add a little extra nutrition. This 4 ingredient healthier boxed mac and cheese has over 40g protein per serving and tastes even better than the original. Turn a comfort food into a proper meal that will keep you satiated for hours.
There's no doubt that boxed mac and cheese is delicious, but it's definitely not considered a health food. I've put together 3 easy tips to lower the fat, increase the protein, and introduce some vegetables to an indulgent boxed mac and cheese. With the same cheddar flavor and creamy texture you're used to, this healthier boxed mac and cheese contains over 40g protein per serving, is made with just 3 additional ingredients and zero extra dishes.
Cottage cheese is a favorite ingredient in the protein world, and it works perfectly to replace the butter and milk that a boxed mac and cheese calls for. Blended cottage cheese adds the perfect amount of creaminess and protein without any weird taste. I promise!
Throwing in some frozen broccoli to the already boiling macaroni is another great way to add some color and vegetables to a box of mac.
Lastly, adding a pre-cooked protein on top like rotisserie chicken, chicken nuggets, or crispy tofu is a simple way to add even more protein.
Made in just 20 minutes, this recipe is the perfect high protein lunch or dinner with the same indulgent taste of the boxed mac and cheese. Just a few easy swaps and you'll make the most delicious and balanced healthy meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cottage cheese is trending! Use up that tub in your fridge with this delicious pasta sauce.
- The cottage cheese is blended for zero chunks.
- 40g protein per serving. That's over 4x the typical boxed mac and cheese.
- Tastes like a regular creamy cheese sauce. You cannot taste the cottage cheese at all!
- Keeps you full for hours.
- Kids will love it the same! Okay maybe without the broccoli, but still healthy!
- Boil broccoli with the macaroni for extra veggies without extra dishes.
- Top with your favorite protein—rotisserie chicken, ground beef, or crispy tofu.
- Use a gluten-free mac and cheese box if required.
Looking for more high protein meals? Try my cottage cheese vodka sauce, high protein pasta salad, dill pickle egg salad, beef kofta meatballs, skillet chicken pot pie, or white chicken chili.
Ingredient Notes
Here is everything you'll need to make your boxed mac and cheese a little healthier:
- Box of your favorite mac and cheese—I like Annie's brand but truly any boxed mac and cheese will work. I've tried this hack with regular cheddar and white cheddar mac and cheese flavors.
- Frozen broccoli—Not high in protein but a quick and easy way to add some vitamins and nutrients to an otherwise beige meal.
- 2% cottage cheese—Swapping the butter and milk for cottage cheese adds protein and creaminess to the mac. I like to blend my cottage cheese beforehand to remove the chunks. I promise it does not have any weird taste!
- Cooked chicken breast—For additional protein, I recommend adding some cooked rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or crispy tofu.
Equipment
This recipe requires minimal equipment. If you wish to blend the cottage cheese as recommended, you will need any type of blender or food processor. You will also need a medium size pot for boiling the pasta.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Be sure to read the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and instructions.
(1) Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. With 4-5 minutes remaining in the cook time, add the frozen broccoli directly to the pot. It may take a few extra minutes for the water to re-boil. Check for when the pasta is al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water then strain out the rest.
(2) Add the cooked noodles and broccoli back to the pot and place off the heat. Stir in the cottage cheese and the cheese packet from the box. Add pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce.
(3) Divide the mac and cheese into two bowls and top each bowl with half the diced chicken. Enjoy!
Storage
It is recommended to make and eat this recipe while it's fresh and hot. Should you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little bit of water to steam until smooth and creamy again.
Expert Tips
Here are some of my top tips and tricks when making healthier boxed mac and cheese:
- Once boiling, salt the pasta water. This will season both the pasta and the broccoli while cooking.
- Cook the pasta to al dente with a slight chew. The frozen broccoli will cause the water to stop boiling for a few minutes until it heats up again. Be sure to check that the pasta does not overcook.
- Blend the cottage cheese to remove all chunks. I like to blend my whole tub at one time, then store it back in the tub.
- Mix the pasta right into the sauce before serving to ensure every noodle is coated.
- Keep a rotisserie chicken on hand for quick and easy pre-cooked protein to add to a bowl of mac and cheese.
- Use a chickpea pasta mac and cheese like Banza brand for even more protein and fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't eat meat, you can still make this recipe by adding the cottage cheese and broccoli to the boxed mac and cheese for a more balanced meal.
I like to add some pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to my mac and cheese. Ground turkey, cooked chicken strips, or tofu would all be great choices.
It's that simple to quadruple the protein in your boxed mac and cheese with just 3 additional ingredients and no extra dishes or time. It tastes just as good as mac and cheese prepared the traditional way. Try it for yourself and let me know your thoughts below!
More Dinner Recipes
- High Protein Cottage Cheese Vodka Sauce
- Healthy Dill Pickle Egg Salad
- Beef Kofta Meatballs
- Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
Have you tried this high protein mac and cheese hack? I'd very much appreciate it if you leave a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and review below, and tag me on instagram @fromoliviaskitchen!
Recipe
High Protein Boxed Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 box your favorite mac and cheese
- 1 cup frozen broccoli
- ½ cup 2% cottage cheese blended
- 150 g cooked chicken breast diced
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. With 4-5 minutes remaining in the cook time, add the frozen broccoli directly to the pot. It may take a few extra minutes for the water to re-boil. Check for when the pasta is al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water then strain out the rest.
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back to the pot and place off the heat. Stir in the cottage cheese and the cheese packet from the box. Add pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce.
- Divide the mac and cheese into two bowls and top each bowl with half the diced chicken. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use a regular mac and cheese or white cheddar mac and cheese. I like to use Annie's brand.
- Blend the cottage cheese ahead of time to remove the lumps. If the lumps don't bother you, skip this step.
- Use a rotisserie chicken for easy pre-cooked chicken.
- Trust me, the cottage cheese does not have any flavor! This recipe tastes just like the boxed mac and cheese made the normal way.
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