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High Protein Mac and Cheese

All the creamy, cheesy comfort of classic mac and cheese with 30 grams of protein and under 500 calories per serving. The secret? A blended cottage cheese sauce that's impossibly smooth and rich. Ready in 25 minutes. Comfort food, reimagined.Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Mac and Cheese
  • 8 ounces protein pasta
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 1/3 cup 2% milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Protein Boosters
  • 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 4 slices turkey bacon crumbled
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
Optional Toppings
  • Extra shredded cheddar
  • Chopped chives or parsley
  • Cracked black pepper
  • Hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
  2. Add cottage cheese, milk, half of the shredded cheddar, cornstarch, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
  3. Melt butter in the same pot over medium-low heat. Pour in the blended cheese sauce and stir for 2-3 minutes until warmed and slightly thickened.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Add remaining shredded cheddar one handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
  5. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and fold until every piece is coated. Stir in chicken or turkey bacon if using.
  6. Serve immediately topped with extra cheddar, chives, pepper, or hot sauce.