Description
Creamy protein mac and cheese elevates classic comfort food with a nutritious twist. Protein-packed goodness meets cheesy satisfaction, offering a delightful meal you’ll crave time and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat)
- ½ cup (120 g) cooked chicken or turkey
- 1 scoop unflavored protein powder
- ½ cup (120 g) cottage cheese (blended for a smooth texture)
- ½ cup (120 g) Greek yogurt
- ½ cup (56 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil, then cook pasta until it reaches the ideal al dente consistency. Drain carefully, preserving the pasta for the forthcoming cheese transformation.
- Sauce Creation: Blend cottage cheese and Greek yogurt into a smooth mixture. In a simmering saucepan, combine the dairy blend with milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the sauce develops a creamy, uniform texture.
- Cheese Fusion: Thoroughly coat the cooked pasta with the molten cheese sauce. Optional protein enhancement can be achieved by incorporating protein powder or adding pre-cooked chicken pieces, creating a more substantial and nutritionally rich dish.
- Final Flourish: Elevate the mac and cheese with a sprinkle of additional cheese, a dusting of smoked paprika, and a garnish of fresh parsley. Serve immediately alongside steamed vegetables for a complete and vibrant meal experience.
Notes
- Boost Protein Absorption: Blend cottage cheese and Greek yogurt thoroughly to ensure maximum protein integration and smooth sauce texture without lumps.
- Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk cheese continuously on low heat to maintain a creamy consistency and prevent grainy or clumpy sauce formation.
- Customize Protein Options: Easily swap chicken with plant-based alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or additional protein powder for vegetarian or varied dietary preferences.
- Control Sodium Levels: Use low-sodium cheese varieties and adjust salt carefully to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising flavor intensity.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg