Baked Macaroni and Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

Name: Baked Macaroni and Cheese Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Vegetable cooking spray; 2 cups dried breadcrumbs; 8 ounces small pasta such as pennette, shells, or elbows; 8 ounces ground turkey or chicken, preferably dark meat; 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for drizzling; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning; 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 cups grated white cheddar cheese; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered; 2 cups chopped broccoli, blanched, see Cook's Note; 1 pound asparagus, cut into 3/4-inch pieces, blanched

Servings: persons

Vegetable cooking spray
2 cups dried breadcrumbs
8 ounces small pasta such as pennette, shells, or elbows
8 ounces ground turkey or chicken, preferably dark meat
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 cups chopped broccoli, blanched, see Cook's Note
1 pound asparagus, cut into 3/4-inch pieces, blanched

1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray 2 12-cup muffin or cupcake pans with vegetable cooking spray.
2
Using 1 cup of breadcrumbs, coat the inside of each muffin cup with breadcrumbs, shaking off any excess.
3
In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
4
Add the ground turkey, or chicken, if using, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until cooked through.
5
Set aside and cover to keep warm.
6
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
7
Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.
8
Drain and place in a large bowl.
9
Add the cooked turkey and the cheeses.
10
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11
Spoon the prepared pasta mixture into the cupcake molds, filling evenly to about 2/3 full.
12
Place a few pieces of tomato, broccoli and asparagus in each cup.
13
Top with a thin layer of the remaining breadcrumbs and drizzle with olive oil.
14
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
15
Let cool for a few minutes and carefully unmold with a spoon.
16
To blanch vegetables, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil.
17
Add the vegetables and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until very crisp.
18
Using a small strainer, remove the vegetables and place immediately into a bowl of iced water.
19
Drain and use.

978

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Vegetable cooking spray, 2 cups dried breadcrumbs, 8 ounces small pasta such as pennette, shells, or elbows, 8 ounces ground turkey or chicken, preferably dark meat, and more.

Yes, Baked Macaroni and Cheese Cupcakes falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Cupcakes

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions