High Protein Mac and Cheese
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Indulge in a guilt-free comfort food experience with our High-Protein Mac and Cheese recipe. Made with wholesome ingredients and packed with flavor, this dish offers a healthier twist on the classic favorite. Whole grain or chickpea pasta provides a fiber-rich base, while a creamy cheese sauce made from low-fat cheddar and Greek yogurt adds a protein punch. Each serving is a satisfying combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty pasta, perfect for satisfying cravings while fueling your body with essential nutrients. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish, our High-Protein Mac and Cheese is sure to become a new family favorite.
Things You’ll Love About This Recipe
- High-Protein Content: Packed with protein from the low-fat cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt, this mac and cheese provides a satisfying and nutritious meal option.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with whole grain or chickpea pasta, this recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional mac and cheese, providing fiber and essential nutrients.
- Creamy and Cheesy: Indulge in a creamy and cheesy sauce that coats every bite of pasta, offering the comforting taste you crave without the guilt.
- Quick and Easy: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings such as chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, or cooked broccoli to personalize this dish and enhance its flavor and nutrition.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults alike, this high-protein mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- Versatile: Serve as a main dish for a satisfying meal or as a side dish to accompany your favorite protein, salad, or vegetable.
- Healthier Twist: Enjoy all the comfort of traditional mac and cheese with a healthier twist, allowing you to indulge in a beloved classic while meeting your nutritional goals.
Expert Tips For Best Results
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ingredients, such as whole grain or chickpea pasta, low-fat cheddar cheese, and plain Greek yogurt, to ensure the best flavor and nutritional value.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the cheese sauce. Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy texture.
- Thicken Cheese Sauce Gradually: When making the cheese sauce, gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the milk mixture and stir constantly until melted and smooth. This helps prevent clumping and ensures a creamy consistency.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the cheese sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to enhance the flavor.
- Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with toppings to add extra flavor and texture to your mac and cheese. Try chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, cooked broccoli, crispy bacon bits, or toasted breadcrumbs for a delicious finishing touch.
- Customize the Recipe: Feel free to customize the recipe based on your dietary preferences and nutritional goals. You can use different types of pasta, cheese, or dairy-free alternatives to suit your taste.
- Meal Prep for Convenience: Prepare a batch of high-protein mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy.
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the mac and cheese immediately after preparing it. This ensures that it’s warm, creamy, and irresistibly delicious.
High-Protein Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole grain or chickpea pasta macaroni or any shape of your choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or any milk of your choice
- 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option
- 1 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped parsley diced tomatoes, or cooked broccoli
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk and whole wheat flour until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the garlic, stirring constantly.
- Cook the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt until well combined.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve the high-protein mac and cheese hot, garnished with optional toppings if desired.
Notes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Net Carbs: Approximately 30g
- Protein: Approximately 20g
Want More Like This?
Check out our other high protein recipes and dinner ideas here!
