High Protein Mac and Cheese
This high protein mac and cheese takes the creamy, cheesy goodness you love and turns it into a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
- Oven-safe baking dish (optional)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz high-protein pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta
- 1 tsp salt for boiling water
For the Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or almond flour for low carb
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 scoop unflavored protein powder for extra protein boost!
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add your high-protein pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Pro tip: Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water—it can help loosen the sauce later if it gets too thick.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1–2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
- Pro tip: Whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Slowly pour in the almond milk while whisking to combine. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
Add the Cheeses
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until fully melted.
- Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
- If using protein powder, whisk it in at this stage until smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained pasta directly into the cheese sauce.
- Gently fold the pasta into the sauce until every piece is coated.
- If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creaminess.
Optional: Bake for Extra Cheesy Goodness
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the pasta and sauce to an oven-safe dish and sprinkle a little extra cheese on top.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Pro tip: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a perfectly crispy top layer.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~32g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~18g
- Fiber: ~5g
- Sugars: ~3g
- Sodium: ~420mg