High Protein Homemade Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food upgrade with this High Protein Homemade Mac and Cheese! Packed with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, and a secret boost from unflavored protein powder, this creamy dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. The velvety cheese sauce is enriched with cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan, delivering a hearty, protein-packed punch in every bite. A touch of ground mustard and garlic powder enhances the flavor, elevating this classic to gourmet levels. Perfect for a post-workout meal or a cozy family dinner, this guilt-free mac and cheese is ready in just 35 minutes and serves six generously.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 1 scoop unflavored protein powder
• 2 cups skim milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to form a roux.

Step 3

Gradually whisk in the skim milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Let the mixture cook and thicken for about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the ground mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the milk mixture. Whisk to combine thoroughly.

Step 5

Stir in the unflavored protein powder until fully dissolved and incorporated into the sauce.

Step 6

Add the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and begin adding the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 8

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated.

Step 9

Serve hot, and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1657.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3158.0

Total Fat 125.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 75.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g
Cholesterol 436.5mg	0%
Sodium 4288.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 328.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.2g	0%
Total Sugars 59.8g
Protein 202.6g	0%

Vitamin D 276.8IU	0%
Calcium 3258.4mg	0%
Iron 15.5mg	0%
Potassium 2530.1mg	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: 34.8%

Protein: 24.9%

Carbs: 40.3%