{"id":"93aa05ea-a6f8-42b0-9d8d-0baefa01ee45","url":"https://recipestripper.com/recipes/93aa05ea-a6f8-42b0-9d8d-0baefa01ee45","source_url":"https://jenneatsgoood.com/high-protein-hidden-veggie-buffalo-chicken-mac-cheese/","title":"high-protein Hidden Veggie buffalo chicken mac & cheese","ingredients":[{"text":"1 teaspoon garlic powder","item":"garlic powder","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1 teaspoon onion powder","item":"onion powder","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1 teaspoon smoked paprika","item":"smoked paprika","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1 teaspoon kosher salt","item":"kosher salt","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper","item":"ground black pepper","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes","item":"red pepper flakes","quantity":0.25,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs","item":"boneless, skinless chicken thighs","quantity":1,"unit":"lb"},{"text":"1 tablespoon olive oil","item":"olive oil","quantity":1,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"1/2 large yellow onion, diced","item":"large yellow onion","quantity":0.5,"preparation":"diced"},{"text":"2 large carrots, peeled and diced","item":"large carrots","quantity":2,"preparation":"peeled and diced"},{"text":"1 tablespoon tomato paste","item":"tomato paste","quantity":1,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"16 ounces low-fat or 4% milkfat cottage cheese","item":"low-fat or 4% milkfat cottage cheese","quantity":16,"unit":"oz"},{"text":"1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (reduce to 1/3 cup for less spice)","item":"buffalo hot sauce","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup","preparation":"reduce to 1/3 cup for less spice"},{"text":"1/2 cup reduced-fat or regular shredded cheddar cheese","item":"reduced-fat or regular shredded cheddar cheese","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"12 ounces gluten-free elbow pasta (or regular)","item":"gluten-free elbow pasta","quantity":12,"unit":"oz","preparation":"or regular"}],"instructions":[{"number":1,"text":"Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl."},{"number":2,"text":"Pat the chicken thighs dry on both sides with a paper towel and cover with about half of the spice mix, rubbing it in with clean hands to evenly coat."},{"number":3,"text":"In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs and cook for about 6 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Set aside on a plate, leaving any oil behind in the skillet."},{"number":4,"text":"In the same skillet, add the onion and carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Mix in the remaining spice mix and the tomato paste. Continue cooking and stirring until aromatic, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat."},{"number":5,"text":"Transfer the onion and carrot mixture to a blender or food processor along with the cottage cheese, buffalo sauce, and cheddar cheese. Blend on high speed until completely smooth, about 45 seconds. If needed, add up to 1/4 cup of chicken broth or water to thin the sauce as it blends. Return the blended sauce to the same skillet and heat on low to warm."},{"number":6,"text":"Meanwhile, cook the elbows according to package instructions and dice the cooked chicken into small cubes."},{"number":7,"text":"Add the cooked elbows and diced chicken to the skillet with the sauce (or combine in a large bowl if your skillet isn’t large enough) and mix to evenly combine. Evenly divide amongst four bowls to serve."}],"date_published":"2026-10-30T06:45:27.176414+00:00","date_modified":"2026-10-30T06:45:27.176414+00:00"}