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An overhead shot of healthy mac and cheese in a rustic bowl, showing off its rich and creamy texture. Made with cottage cheese for a protein boost.

High Protein Mac and Cheese (The Creamiest, Dreamiest Recipe)

This High Protein Mac and Cheese is the ultimate guilt-free comfort food! Made with a secret creamy sauce from cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, this macro-friendly meal packs over 30g of protein per serving and is ready in 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 452

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces high-protein pasta such as chickpea or lentil pasta
  • 1 cup 2% cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 High-Speed Blender
  • 1 Saucepan

Instructions
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the protein pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then set the cooked pasta aside.
  2. Blend the Sauce Base: While the pasta cooks, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and paprika in a high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
  3. Melt the Cheese: Pour the blended sauce base into a saucepan or pot over medium-low heat. Gently warm the sauce, then add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Do not let it boil.
  4. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir until every piece of pasta is coated in creamy goodness. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

Notes

Shred Your Own Cheese: This is the most important tip for a smooth, creamy sauce. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
Don't Boil the Sauce: After adding the cheese, keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming oily.
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