High-Protein, High-Fiber Mac and Cheese (With Crunchy Fiber Breadcrumb Topping)

This high-protein mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy twist on classic comfort food, made with high-protein pasta, cottage cheese, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella. It delivers the rich, satisfying flavor you want from mac and cheese while adding a delicious boost of protein.

The real standout is the crispy Zesty Z Garlic & Parmesan Pita Chip topping. Crushed pita chips are combined with cheese and baked until golden and crunchy, creating the perfect contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta underneath.

Whether you're looking for an easy high-protein mac and cheese recipe, a satisfying weeknight dinner, or a protein-packed comfort food meal, this baked mac and cheese is a flavorful option that's easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients (4 Servings)

Mac & Cheese

• 8 oz high-protein pasta

• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese

• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/3 cup milk

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp sazon (optional)

• Salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Zesty Z Crunch Topping

• 1 cup Zesty Z Garlic & Parmesan Pita Chips, crushed

• ⅓ cup mixed shredded cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

How to Make High-Protein Mac & Cheese

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the High-Protein Pasta

Cook the high-protein pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.

3. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Melt the Cheese

Pour the sauce into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.

5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Fold in the cooked pasta until evenly coated.

6. Transfer to a Baking Dish

Transfer the mac and cheese to a lightly greased 9×9-inch baking dish.

7. Add the Crispy Garlic Crunch Topping

Mix the crushed Zesty Z pita chips with the Parmesan and melted butter (if using), then sprinkle evenly over the top.

8. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the topping is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbling.

9. Rest and Serve

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Mac & Cheese

This protein mac and cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy pasta with a crispy garlic-Parmesan topping for a satisfying texture in every bite. The high-protein pasta and cottage cheese make it a more protein-focused take on traditional mac and cheese, while the Zesty Z Garlic & Parmesan Pita Chips add extra crunch and savory flavor.

It’s an easy high-protein comfort food recipe that's perfect for a weeknight dinner, family meal, or whenever you're craving a creamy and cheesy baked pasta dish with a crispy topping.