7-Step Protein Mac and Cheese
A high-protein take on the classic mac and cheese, combining cottage cheese, cheddar, and protein pasta for a creamy, filling, and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz protein pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt for boiling water
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1½ cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
For the Topping (Optional):
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Protein Pasta: Start with filling a large pan with water, add salt, and heat until it reaches a vigorous boil. Add your protein pasta, such as chickpea or lentil pasta, and cook according to the package instructions. Pasta made with added protein requires less cooking time, so oversee it to prevent it from becoming too soft. Al dente pasta works best as it holds its texture when mixed with the cheese sauce. Drain the cooked pasta, rinse it briefly under cold water to halt the cooking process, and set it aside. Rinsing ensures the pasta won’t stick together while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce Base: Using medium heat, slowly dissolve the butter in a moderately-sized saucepan. Once melted, stir in the Greek yogurt and whole milk. Keep stirring until the mixture achieves a smooth and velvety texture. This step is crucial to creating the velvety base for the sauce.
- Incorporate the Cheese Gradually: Slowly add 1 ½ cups of freshly shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan. Stir constantly, allowing the cheese to melt fully before adding more. This gradual approach prevents clumps and ensures a smooth texture. Incorporate garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and sea salt to enhance the flavor profile. For those who like spicy food, sprinkle some crumbled red pepper for a spicy kick.
- Combine Pasta with the Sauce: Return the cooked pasta to the saucepan. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated in the creamy cheese sauce. When the sauce is too thick, mix in about 1/4 cup of the saved pasta cooking water until you reach the thickness you prefer.
- Optional: Prepare for Baking: For a classic baked mac and cheese experience, preheat your oven to 375°F. Apply a coating of butter or cooking spray to coat a baking pan measuring 8 inches by 8 inches. Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture in an even layer across the baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese across the surface, then top with a generous amount of panko breadcrumbs for a delightfully crunchy finish.
- Bake the Mac and Cheese: Place the dish in the oven at the preset temperature and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top becomes golden and begins to show bubbling activity. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, as this helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or finely cut chives on top of the dish to improve its presentation and enhance its flavor. Serve warm, and watch your family or guests savor every bite of this hearty and wholesome dish.
Notes
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 376 calories per 250g serving (based on a 6-serving size).
- Serving Size: ~250 grams per serving.
- Difficulty: Beginner-friendly.
- Dietary Tags: High Protein, Vegetarian (with substitutions).
- Nutritional Information per Serving: 18g fat, 10g saturated fat, 25g protein, 31g carbs, 6g fiber, 557mg sodium.
