Description
Creamy protein mac and cheese elevates classic comfort food with a nutritious twist. Muscle-building ingredients and bold flavors combine to deliver a satisfying meal you’ll crave after workouts and on cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Sources:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat)
- 1 scoop unflavored protein powder
- ½ cup (120 grams) cooked chicken or turkey
Cheese and Dairy:
- ½ cup (120 grams) cottage cheese (blended for a smooth texture)
- ½ cup (120 grams) Greek yogurt
- ½ cup (56 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup (25 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk (dairy or plant-based)
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge the high-protein pasta, cooking until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Carefully drain the pasta, reserving it for the upcoming cheese transformation.
- Transform cottage cheese and Greek yogurt into a silky-smooth base by blending them thoroughly. In a simmering saucepan, marry the dairy mixture with milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently introduce cheddar and Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Unite the cooked pasta with the molten cheese sauce, ensuring each strand becomes lavishly coated. Elevate the protein profile by incorporating protein powder or fold in tender, pre-cooked chicken pieces for an additional nutritional boost.
- Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor complexity by sprinkling extra cheese, dusting with smoked paprika, or scattering fresh parsley across the surface. Present the mac and cheese while piping hot, accompanied by a vibrant medley of steamed vegetables to create a wholesome, balanced meal.
Notes
- Boost protein content by blending cottage cheese and Greek yogurt thoroughly to create an ultra-smooth, creamy base that eliminates any lumpy textures.
- Select high-protein pasta varieties like chickpea, lentil, or protein-fortified options to maximize nutritional value without compromising taste.
- Customize the dish by incorporating different protein sources such as grilled chicken, turkey, tofu, or plant-based protein powder to accommodate various dietary preferences.
- Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with additional spices like smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg