High Protein Mac and Cheese
A creamy and delicious high protein mac and cheese made with cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, protein-enriched pasta, and optional protein powder. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, healthy comfort food, and meal prep with a protein-packed twist.
Ingredients
- 12 oz high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched wheat)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup unflavored protein powder (optional)
- 1 cup milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for toasting breadcrumbs)
- to taste chopped chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the high-protein pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a blender, combine cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar, milk, protein powder (if using), cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Pour in the blended cheese sauce and stir continuously until it thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly. Heat through.
- Optional: In a nonstick skillet, toast panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or butter until golden brown. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese before serving.
- Garnish with chopped chives if desired and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Serving: 1peopleCalories: 379kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 32gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 646mgFiber: 8gSugar: 6g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!