High Protein Mac and Cheese Recipe (34g Protein)

This High Protein Mac and Cheese recipe is an easy way to turn a classic comfort food into a healthier version that your whole family will love. With 34 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber, you can feel good enjoying this healthier mac and cheese recipe regularly!

Why You’ll Love This Protein Mac & Cheese

Mac and cheese is one of my absolute favorite comfort foods. It’s no secret though that traditional mac and cheese isn’t necessarily the healthiest option. This high protein mac and cheese recipe is a great way to turn the ultimate comfort food into a healthy food option that you can feel good about. 

Mac and cheese tends to be low in fiber and protein, while being high in saturated fat. This high protein mac and cheese boasts an impressive 34 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber! Protein and fiber keep blood sugar levels more stable and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. This is important if you have PCOS, insulin resistance, or are trying to maintain your weight. 

Fiber and protein are also key components when it comes to improving digestive health and increasing lean muscle mass. In addition to being protein packed, this protein mac and cheese is a great source of calcium, iron, and magnesium. 

This dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a great recipe for weeknight dinners. Plus, the best part is that it tastes just like the real thing! The creamy sauce is cheesy and delicious, allowing you to enjoy the great mac and cheese taste without sacrificing your health. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients you can easily find in your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to make this high-protein mac and cheese recipe. 

• Chickpea Pasta – you can easily use regular pasta in this recipe, but I prefer to swap in Banza chickpea pasta because it has more fiber and additional protein compared to traditional pasta. Protein pasta, whole wheat pasta, or lentil pasta are other nutrient dense pasta options that you could use. 

• Cottage Cheese – while most of the main ingredients in this recipe are similar to traditional mac and cheese, blended cottage cheese is the secret ingredient that gives you that extra protein. Don’t worry if you’re not a cottage cheese lover either – you don’t even taste the cottage cheese in the final product! I like Good Culture cottage cheese, but any type of cottage cheese will work.

• Greek Yogurt – another higher protein ingredient, Greek yogurt helps to get that creamy texture that we want in our mac and cheese!

• Milk – I prefer to use whole milk for a creamier texture, but you could substitute skim milk or low-fat milk if you prefer or have that on hand. I’d recommend using regular cow’s milk in this recipe if possible but you could substitute unsweetened almond milk or soy milk if needed. 

• Butter – no mac and cheese recipe would be complete without butter. I’m a big fan of Kerrygold butter – once you try it, you won’t be able to go back!

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese – a creamy cheddar cheese sauce is key for delicious mac and cheese. You can either shred your own cheese with a cheese grater or use pre-shredded cheese – I’ve done both and they both work out well! Fun fact: cheddar cheese is virtually lactose free!

• Seasonings – you’ll need garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt and black pepper to season your high protein mac and cheese. 

How To Make High Protein Mac and Cheese

This high protein mac and cheese only takes a few steps to make. Here’s how you’re going to make it. 

Step One: Cook the pasta.

In a large pot of boiling water, cook the chickpea pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool slightly. Note: I usually cook pasta for one minute less than what the package recommends. For example, if your pasta box says to cook in boiling water for 6 to 8 minutes, I’d usually cook it for 5 minutes. I find this works best since you’ll be tossing the cooked pasta in with other warm ingredients later on. 

Step Two: Make the Cheese Sauce. 

In a high speed blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and milk on high for 30 to 60 seconds or until smooth.

In a separate large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in garlic powder, onion, powder, ground mustard powder, salt and pepper. Pour in the blended cottage cheese sauce and stir to combine. Turn the heat to medium low and slowly stir in shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the cheese sauce is smooth. 

Step Three: Assemble High Protein Mac and Cheese.

Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Note: for best results, allow your cooked chickpea pasta to cool a little before mixing into the cheese sauce. If it’s scalding hot, it may cause the cheese sauce to separate or curdle. 

Optionally, you can add some panko bread crumbs and more cheese on top – cheddar cheese, monterey jack cheese, and parmesan cheeses all work well for this. Then broil the mac and cheese in the oven for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. 

How To Store + Heat Leftovers

Store any leftover protein mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat it, simply microwave it to reheat.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Substitute a different type of pasta for the chickpea pasta. Whole wheat pasta, red lentil, protein pasta, or brown rice pasta will all work well.
• If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, just replace it with equal amounts of cottage cheese. You can also do this the opposite way: replace cottage cheese entirely with Greek yogurt. 
• Increase the protein content by adding cooked chicken breast, ground turkey, pan-fried tofu, or shrimp.
• Increase the nutritional value by adding cooked veggies such as spinach, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, broccoli, bell peppers, or onions.
• Add some crushed red pepper flakes or buffalo sauce for a spicy mac and cheese. 

Other High Protein Recipes You’ll Love

High Protein Pizza Crust Recipe

High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Healthier Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you make this High Protein Mac and Cheese recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and review at the end of this blog post. This is incredibly helpful to me, my small business, and to other readers!