Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese: High Protein, Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food with a Kick!
Even as a dietitian, if there’s one thing I love, it’s a big bowl of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. But sometimes, I want to take it up a notch… enter Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese! This dish has everything you love about a classic mac and cheese but with the spicy, smoky goodness of a jalapeño popper. It’s rich, indulgent, and the perfect balance of comfort and heat.
As a dietitian, I believe in balance, not perfection. Some days, you’re eating your leafy greens and protein-packed meals, and other days, you just need a bowl of mac and cheese that makes your taste buds (and your soul) happy. And you know what? That’s okay!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Cheesy: A rich cheese sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.
- Spicy Kick: Fresh jalapeños add just the right amount of heat.
- Crunchy Topping: A crispy, golden breadcrumb topping for the perfect texture.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and totally worth it.
- Kid-Approved: You can easily adjust the spice level, making it a fun, nutritious meal for the whole family.
Dietitian Tips for a Balanced Bowl
Even though this is comfort food at its finest, there are easy ways to make it just a little more balanced:
- Extra protein boost: Your recipe already includes chicken, but you can also mix in extra shredded chicken or a can of white beans for even more protein! (tip – often times I actually blend white beans into my pasta sauces!)
- Fiber-rich pasta: Instead of white pasta try and find a whole grain or chickpea pasta. It is a fantastic choice for added fiber and staying power.
- Lighten it up: this dish calls for blended cottage cheese (because it is insanely high in protein) but you can also use a mix of whole milk and Greek yogurt instead for a bit lighter and tangier (is that a word?) protein-packed sauce.
- Toss in veggies: Although this is optional, you can always try mixing in sautéed spinach, roasted cauliflower, or diced tomatoes for extra nutrients, especially if your kiddos (or husband let’s be real) has a harder time eating vegetables.
Pairing Ideas
This dish is rich, so pairing it with a simple side can balance things out:
- A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette
- Roasted or steamed broccoli
Spicy or Milder? Adjust to Your Taste!
If you love spicy food, keep the jalapeño seeds in for extra heat. Prefer a milder version? Remove the seeds and membranes, or swap fresh jalapeños for mild green chilies.
Final Thoughts
Food should bring joy, connection, and nourishment and this Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese does just that. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a potluck, or just because you deserve an epic bowl of mac and cheese, this recipe will hit the spot!
Plus, kids love it too! The creamy cheese sauce, fun pasta shapes, and crispy topping make it a hit at the dinner table. If you need a milder version, just reduce or remove the jalapeños, and it’s still packed with flavor. Since it already includes protein-rich chicken and whole grain pasta, it’s a well-rounded meal for little ones.
Let me know if you try it—tag me on social media and share your delicious bowl of cheesy goodness! Happy cooking!
High Protein Jalapeño Popper Mac n’ Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups low fat cottage cheese
- 5 wedges laughing cow cheese
- 7 tbsp jalapeño juice
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups chicken, diced
- 8 oz protein pasta (or whole grain)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeño (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
- To a blender cup or food processor add the cottage cheese, laughing cow cheese, jalapeño juice, nutritional yeast, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard. Blend until smooth.
- Cut the raw chicken into bite sized pieces or cubes. Season with paprika (I always add some salt, pepper, and garlic powder to this as well).
- Heat olive oil on medium heat. Add chicken and sauté until cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking cook protein pasta (or whole wheat pasta) according to packaging.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce.
- Top with the sliced jalapeños and freshly chopped chives. Serve and enjoy!
