High Protein Mac and Cheese Recipe
This high-protein mac and cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy twist on the classic comfort food by using high-protein pasta and Greek yogurt to boost protein content. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for those seeking a nutritious and flavorful dish with an extra protein punch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup cream or milk of choice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz package high-protein pasta shells or elbows (e.g., chickpea or lentil-based pasta)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, aiming for al dente by slightly reducing the cooking time. Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed. Do not rinse the pasta to maintain starch for sauce adhesion.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over low to medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cream or milk and heat the mixture until it reaches a low simmer, then reduce the heat to low to avoid scorching.
- Melt the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the warm milk and butter mixture, stirring constantly until it melts completely and forms a smooth sauce.
- Add Greek Yogurt: Stir in the plain Greek yogurt until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the cheese sauce is too thick, incorporate a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the cheese sauce and toss to coat all the pasta evenly. Warm over low heat for a few minutes if necessary to meld flavors and reheat the dish thoroughly.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the high-protein mac and cheese hot for best texture and flavor. Enjoy your wholesome, creamy meal!
Notes
- Use high-protein pasta such as chickpea or lentil-based varieties to increase the protein content of this dish.
- Do not rinse the pasta after draining as the starch helps the sauce stick better.
- Greek yogurt adds creaminess and boosts protein while keeping the dish rich.
- Adjust thickness of cheese sauce with pasta water for desired creaminess.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk or cream alternatives and reduced-fat cheese.
Keywords: high protein mac and cheese, healthy mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, Greek yogurt mac and cheese, protein pasta recipe, comfort food, gluten free mac and cheese
Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/high-protein-mac-and-cheese-recipe/
