This High Protein Mac and Cheese is a yummy twist on the classic comfort food. Packed with cheese and extra protein, it’s like giving your mac a little hug!
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love creamy cheesy goodness? I always feel a bit heroic when I get my protein fix while enjoying my favorite dish. Win-win! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Using elbow macaroni is classic, but high-protein pasta like chickpea or lentil adds a great protein boost. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to substitute with gluten-free pasta varieties.
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein. If you’re not a fan, you can use ricotta or silken tofu for a dairy-free option that still adds creaminess.
Greek Yogurt: This ingredient enhances creaminess and adds more protein. For a dairy-free option, try substituting with a plant-based yogurt like almond or coconut yogurt.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is great for flavor, but you can also use mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese alternative. If you want a bolder taste, consider using a mix of your favorite cheeses!
How Do I Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
Creating a creamy cheese sauce is key to a tasty mac and cheese. It’s important to make a roux first, which helps thicken the sauce. Here’s how:
- Melt your butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk together, cooking for about a minute until bubbly. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Keep combining until the mixture thickens, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Once thickened, stir in the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Lastly, mix in the shredded cheese until it melts into a rich sauce.
Taking your time during this process makes all the difference; you’ll end up with a velvety sauce that sticks wonderfully to the pasta!
High Protein Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or high-protein pasta (e.g., chickpea or lentil pasta)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (for extra protein and creaminess)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (adds creaminess and protein)
- 1 cup skim milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for richness)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or protein-enriched flour
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This High Protein Mac and Cheese will take about 20 minutes to prepare. With around 10 minutes for cooking and 10 minutes for mixing everything together, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni or high-protein pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside.
2. Make the Roux:
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. This step is crucial as it helps thicken your cheese sauce.
3. Add the Milk:
Gradually whisk in your choice of milk to the roux, stirring continuously. Keep whisking for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens nicely. Be patient, and you’ll have a creamy base!
4. Stir in Creamy Ingredients:
Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and cream cheese (if using) until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Cheese and Seasoning:
Next, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese along with the garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce has become beautifully creamy.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Pour the cheesy sauce over the cooked pasta. Gently stir to combine, making sure every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious sauce.
7. Serve with a Touch of Green:
Transfer the mac and cheese to serving bowls. For an extra pop of flavor and color, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
8. Enjoy:
Dig in and savor your High Protein Mac And Cheese! It’s comforting, cheesy, and packed with goodness. Perfect for a cozy night in, and even better as leftovers!
Incorporating cottage cheese and Greek yogurt bumps up the protein significantly while maintaining that rich, classic mac and cheese taste. Enjoy creating and sharing!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to use high-protein options like chickpea or lentil pasta. Gluten-free pasta also works great for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative, use plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, and consider almond or oat milk in place of regular milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may slightly change.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it appears too thick.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Veggies like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms would be delicious additions. Just sauté them before mixing them into the cheese sauce for a nutritious boost.
