High Protein Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in creamy comfort while packing a nutritional punch with this High Protein Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe! Perfect for a hearty family dinner or meal prep, this dish takes the classic favorite up a notch by featuring high-protein pasta made from chickpeas or lentils. A velvety cheese sauce, enriched with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and tangy Greek yogurt, coats every bite, delivering indulgent flavor with added nutrients. Topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs, this baked masterpiece combines wholesome ingredients with a tempting crunch. Ready in just 45 minutes, this protein-packed twist on macaroni and cheese is the ultimate blend of health and comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces High-protein pasta (such as chickpea or lentil pasta)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the high-protein pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, forming a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the Greek yogurt, sharp cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until thoroughly combined and smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with black pepper and paprika.

Step 7

Combine the cooked pasta and the cheese sauce in a large bowl, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the pasta mixture into a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 11

Allow the baked macaroni and cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1467.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3356.2

Total Fat 176.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 95.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 465.1mg	0%
Sodium 5638.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 276.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.2g	0%
Total Sugars 40.9g
Protein 202.0g	0%

Vitamin D 262.7IU	0%
Calcium 3556.9mg	0%
Iron 17.7mg	0%
Potassium 3761.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.3%

Protein: 23.1%

Carbs: 31.6%