High Protein White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food makeover with this **High Protein White Cheddar Mac and Cheese**, designed to satisfy your cravings while supporting your nutritional goals. Made with high-protein or chickpea-based pasta and enriched with creamy Greek yogurt, this dish is packed with protein in every bite. A velvety sauce of sharp white cheddar and Parmesan is elevated with garlic powder and a hint of black pepper, creating a rich, savory flavor profile. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a wholesome family dinner. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and warmth. Whether you're looking for a healthier twist on a classic or simply a delicious way to boost your protein intake, this crowd-pleasing pasta dish has you covered!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz Elbow pasta (high-protein or chickpea/lentil-based for extra protein)
• 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups Unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk for added protein)
• 2 cups White cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt (high-protein, full-fat preferred)
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp Paprika (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the high-protein pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. The mixture should be slightly golden but not browned.

Step 3

Gradually pour the almond milk into the roux while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4

Lower the heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the Greek yogurt. Mix until fully incorporated to add creaminess and extra protein to the sauce.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Use a spatula to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out by adding a splash of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 7

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 8

Serve the mac and cheese immediately in bowls or plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor and visual appeal, if desired.

Step 9

Enjoy your High Protein White Cheddar Mac and Cheese while hot!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1384.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2482.3

Total Fat 147.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 82.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 401.0mg	0%
Sodium 4680.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 175.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.6g	0%
Total Sugars 11.1g
Protein 138.9g	0%

Vitamin D 298.0IU	0%
Calcium 3319.2mg	0%
Iron 15.3mg	0%
Potassium 2541.2mg	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: 51.3%

Protein: 21.5%

Carbs: 27.2%