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Here’s what you need to make high protein mac and cheese: - 2 cups whole grain elbow macaroni - 1 cup cottage cheese - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for added cheesiness) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast (optional, for extra protein) - 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice) - Breadcrumbs (for topping) Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. Whole grain elbow macaroni gives a nice texture and fiber. Cottage cheese brings creaminess and protein. Sharp cheddar and Parmesan add rich flavor. Greek yogurt boosts creaminess and protein. Nutritional yeast is optional but can enhance the cheesy taste. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Adding cooked chicken can increase protein even more. Almond milk keeps it creamy while breadcrumbs give a crunchy topping. All these ingredients mix for a delicious and healthy meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Boil salted water and cook macaroni. - Drain and set aside. To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This will help season the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your whole grain elbow macaroni. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large mixing bowl. - Combine dairy ingredients in a bowl. - Blend until creamy. Next, grab another large mixing bowl for the cheese sauce. Add in the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. If you want extra cheesiness, toss in the nutritional yeast. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder. Pour in the almond milk. Now, use a blender or an immersion blender to mix everything until it's creamy and smooth. This step is key for a rich sauce. - Mix pasta with cheese sauce. - Fold in cooked chicken. Now it’s time to combine! Carefully add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently so every piece of pasta gets coated. If you have cooked and shredded chicken, fold it in at this stage. This adds extra protein and makes your dish even better. - Taste and adjust seasoning. Before baking, taste your cheesy mixture. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to boost the flavor. Mix it well to ensure the seasoning is even throughout. A little adjustment here can make a big difference! - Prepare baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs. - Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the dish. Top it with breadcrumbs for a crunchy layer. Bake it in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and bubbling. This is where the magic happens! To get that perfect creamy texture, I recommend using a blender. Blend the cheese and yogurt until smooth. This helps mix everything well. Gradual mixing is key. Start by adding a little pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir gently. This way, each piece of macaroni gets coated evenly. You can really enhance the flavor of your mac and cheese! Try adding some herbs like thyme or basil. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick. For toppings, think about crispy bacon or fresh breadcrumbs. These add crunch and extra taste. Cooking time matters. Bake at 350°F for a golden top and bubbling cheese. If you use a convection oven, lower the temperature by about 25°F. This helps cook it evenly and keeps it moist. Adjusting time and temp makes a big difference in texture and flavor. Pro Tips Use a variety of cheeses: Mixing different types of cheese, such as gouda or mozzarella, can enhance the flavor profile and give a more complex cheesiness to your dish. Cook pasta slightly under al dente: Since the pasta will continue to cook while baking, it’s best to undercook it a little during the boiling process to prevent mushiness. Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs, such as paprika or Italian seasoning, to the cheese sauce for an extra kick of flavor. Let it rest before serving: Allow the baked macaroni and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving; this helps it set and makes for cleaner portions. {{image_4}} To make a vegetarian high protein mac and cheese, substitute meat with plant-based proteins. This keeps the dish tasty and healthy. Beans and legumes are great choices. I recommend using black beans, chickpeas, or lentils. They add protein and fiber. You can mix them into the cheese sauce or stir them in with the pasta. This simple swap makes the dish filling and satisfying. Exploring various cheese blends can create unique flavors. Try mixing mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for added zest. Each cheese brings its own taste and texture. If you prefer vegan cheese, there are also great options. Look for brands that use nuts or soy. These can melt well and offer creamy goodness without dairy. Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your perfect blend! For a gluten-free option, choose suitable pasta alternatives. Brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta works well. These options taste great and maintain a nice texture. Adjust the recipe by checking the cooking time on the package. Gluten-free pasta may cook faster or slower than regular pasta. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious mac and cheese! Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container. Make sure it cools first. It should last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze mac and cheese, allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. Label the container with the date. It can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can reheat mac and cheese in the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F. Place the mac and cheese in a dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. To keep that creamy texture, add a splash of milk before reheating. This helps it stay moist and delicious. This mac and cheese packs a protein punch. The main sources include: - Cottage Cheese: 28 grams of protein per cup. - Greek Yogurt: 20 grams of protein per cup. - Chicken Breast: 26 grams of protein per cup (optional). - Cheeses: Sharp cheddar and Parmesan add more protein. With these ingredients, you get a creamy dish full of protein. This helps in muscle building and keeps you full longer. Yes, you can easily make this dish dairy-free. Here are some swaps: - Cottage Cheese: Use a dairy-free cottage cheese or blended tofu. - Cheddar Cheese: Try a plant-based cheddar. - Greek Yogurt: Swap with dairy-free yogurt. - Milk: Use almond milk or any plant milk. These substitutions keep the creamy texture and taste you love. You can enjoy this dish without dairy. Kids love fun flavors! Here are some ideas: - Add Veggies: Mix in peas or spinach for extra color. - Cheese Choices: Use milder cheese like mozzarella. - Fun Shapes: Use pasta in fun shapes, like stars or animals. - Toppings: Let kids choose their favorite toppings, like crunchy breadcrumbs or crispy bacon. These changes make the dish appealing and fun for kids. They'll enjoy eating their protein-packed mac and cheese! Absolutely! This mac and cheese is great for meal prep. Here are some tips: - Cook Ahead: Make the dish in advance and store it in the fridge. - Portioning: Divide into individual servings for easy reheating. - Storing: Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. - Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of milk for creaminess. Meal prepping makes it easy to enjoy this tasty dish all week! This recipe shows how to create a tasty mac and cheese with healthy twists. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and handy tips. You can enjoy this dish in many ways, like vegetarian or gluten-free. Remember to store leftovers properly for best taste later. Experiment with flavors and make it your own! You now have the tools to impress family and friends with a creamy, cheesy delight. Happy cooking!

Protein-Packed Cheesy Bliss

A delicious and nutritious macaroni dish packed with protein and cheesy goodness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole grain elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast (optional)
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole grain elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
  • In another large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and almond milk. Use a blender or immersion blender to mix until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
  • Carefully add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated. If you're including chicken, fold in the shredded chicken at this stage.
  • Taste the cheesy mixture and adjust the flavors by adding salt and freshly ground black pepper as necessary. Mix thoroughly.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with cooking spray or butter, then transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the dish. Evenly sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
  • Once done baking, remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For an attractive presentation, serve in individual bowls and garnish with fresh herbs.
Keyword baked, cheese, comfort food, macaroni, protein