This mac is built to reheat like it was made tonight.

Why This Mac N Cheese Hits Different

The slow cooker handles the chicken, the broccoli gets real roast or broil flavor, and the blended cheese base stays smooth after reheating. Portion some for now and freeze the rest for later; it keeps well for months so you can rotate meals and keep variety.

Macros Per Serving (makes 12)

• 550 calories
• 46g protein
• 51g carbs
• 18g fat

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken & Seasonings (Slow Cooker)

• 1340g (48oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 30g (2 Tbsp) garlic paste or minced garlic
• 30g (2 Tbsp) Worcestershire sauce
• 20g (1 Tbsp + 1 tsp) Dijon mustard
• 15g (1 Tbsp) onion powder
• 15g (1 Tbsp) garlic powder
• 15g (1 Tbsp) fine salt
• 10g (2 tsp) black pepper
• 10g (2 tsp) smoked paprika

Broccoli

• 400g broccoli florets (about 4 cups)
• 15g (1 Tbsp) olive oil

High-Protein Cheddar Sauce

• 800g (3⅓ cups) 2% cottage cheese
• 125g extra-sharp cheddar, grated (about 1 cup loosely packed)
• 125g American cheese, torn or diced (about 4–5 slices)
• 10g (2 tsp) nutritional yeast
• 650ml whole milk (about 2¾ cups)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Pasta

• 672g (24oz) short pasta of choice

How To Make It

Instructions: Follow along with this recipe video.

• Load the slow cooker with chicken thighs, garlic paste, Worcestershire, Dijon, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir to coat.
• Cook on High 3–4 hours or Low 4–5 hours until tender. Lightly shred or chop in the pot.
• Prep the broccoli two ways (pick one):
• Steam-in-bag: Microwave 7–8 minutes, then toss on a sheet pan.
• Oven roast: Bake at 450°F for ~20 minutes.
• For either method, switch to Broil and brown 5–10 minutes, tossing once. Drizzle with 15g (1 Tbsp) olive oil.
• Boil the pasta to 50% of package time; drain.
• Blend the sauce until completely smooth: cottage cheese, cheddar, American cheese, nutritional yeast, and whole milk. Season with salt and pepper.
• Into the slow cooker, add the half-cooked pasta, roasted broccoli, and the blended cheese sauce. Stir to coat.
• Cover and cook on High for 15–20 minutes until the pasta finishes and the sauce thickens and clings.
• Stir, taste, and adjust seasoning. Portion into 12 containers.

Storing And Reheating Tips

• Chill, then refrigerate or freeze.
• Reheat gently in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between rounds; add a splash of milk if you like it looser.

Comfort, Dialed In

Broccoli-cheddar comfort, protein-forward build, freezer-friendly portions—food that fits real life.

Want More Like This?

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Sometimes, having a pan of this broccoli cheddar soup mac waiting for you is all the motivation you need to stay on track.

— Stealth Health Kitchen Staff