Description
This High Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious, nutritious twist on a classic comfort dish. Featuring chickpea pasta for an added protein boost, a creamy buffalo cheese sauce, and tender shredded chicken, this recipe combines spicy, cheesy, and hearty flavors. Topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for a satisfying family meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz chickpea pasta (Barilla chickpea or Barilla protein plus recommended)
Sauce
- 16 oz full-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Other
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the chickpea pasta according to package directions, being careful not to overcook as chickpea pasta can become mushy. Drain and return the pasta to the pot off the heat.
- Prepare sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, buffalo sauce, milk, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar, and shredded mozzarella. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Make breadcrumb topping: Mix the melted butter and panko breadcrumbs together in a small bowl and set aside for topping.
- Combine pasta with sauce and chicken: Add the shredded cooked chicken and the creamy cheese sauce to the drained pasta. Stir well until every noodle and piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble and top: Transfer the coated pasta and chicken mixture into a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the dish is heated through.
Notes
- Use Barilla chickpea or protein plus pasta for best texture suitable for baking.
- Check pasta package size as some chickpea pastas come in 8 oz packs; you may need 1.5 boxes.
- Do not overcook chickpea pasta to avoid mushiness—follow package directions carefully.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut for cooked shredded chicken.
- For extra heat, add a bit more buffalo sauce to the cheese sauce blend.
