High protein mac and cheese has become more than just a weeknight dinner for me, it’s a quiet little ritual that reminds me how far I’ve come. There was a time when boxed mac and cheese was all I could manage between working late and trying to keep things together at home. But over the years, I found healing in the kitchen. That healing came in the form of love, resilience, and a cast iron skillet filled with creamy, cheesy, high protein mac and cheese.
This protein mac and cheese recipe was born on a rainy Tuesday when my youngest asked, “Mom, can we have that cheesy stuff but the kind that helps my muscles grow?” I smiled and got to work. I remembered seeing someone on a forum mention cottage cheese as a creamy base. That was my lightbulb moment. I grabbed chickpea pasta, a tub of cottage cheese, and my favorite sharp cheddar, and what came out of the oven was pure homestyle magic.
This isn’t just a high protein mac and cheese recipe, it’s nourishment for the body and soul. The kind of dish that wraps you up in a warm hug after a long day. And let me tell you, it’s become a family tradition in our home.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for High Protein Mac and Cheese
- 8 oz chickpea pasta
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, roughly minced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup cottage cheese, full-fat
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Ingredient Tips:
- Cottage cheese: Full-fat adds the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Chickpea pasta: Higher in protein and fiber than traditional pasta.
- Cheddar: Use extra-sharp for a bolder taste, or swap with Gruyère for a twist.
💡 Jenifer Tip: Want to boost the protein in mac and cheese even more? Swap in Greek yogurt for some of the cottage cheese or use a high-protein shredded cheese blend.
How to Make High Protein Mac and Cheese
Now comes the fun part, bringing this creamy, dreamy protein-packed classic to life!
- Cook the chickpea pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden.
- Lower the heat and stir in the milk and cottage cheese. Let it warm through but don’t let it boil (you want it smooth and creamy).
- Stir in the shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until it all melts into a luscious sauce.
- Add the cooked chickpea pasta into the skillet and toss to coat.
- Put into a baking dish and top with a sprinkle of extra cheddar. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes or until bubbly.
There you go, your very own high protein mac and cheese that’s packed with comfort and goodness.
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how I love to serve this high protein mac and cheese at family dinners:
- With roasted broccoli or asparagus – the crisp edges of roasted veggies add balance to the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Next to a grilled chicken breast – for an even bigger protein boost, this combo makes a comforting, wholesome meal.
- With a side salad and lemon vinaigrette – the freshness of the greens cuts through the richness of the protein mac and cheese just right.
And when it’s just me and the kids? We eat it right out of the pot at the kitchen counter. No rules, just warmth.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
Despite its richness, this high protein mac and cheese offers around:
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fat: 21g
It’s rare to find comfort food that loves your body back, but this protein mac and cheese recipe checks all the boxes. Thanks to the chickpea pasta and cottage cheese, you’re getting real protein in mac and cheese, without any compromise on taste.
Tips & Variations
This recipe’s been through my kitchen many times, and here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
- Use pre-shredded cheese only if you’re in a pinch – Freshly shredded melts better and gives that ooey-gooey finish we all adore.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne if you like a little kick, this was my mother’s twist on grandma’s original.
- Make it even creamier by blending the cottage cheese before adding it in smooth and luscious.
- Swap out the chickpea pasta for red lentil pasta if you want to mix it up. Both offer a high protein mac and cheese experience you’ll love.
- Top it with crushed almonds or breadcrumbs and broil for a few minutes for that golden, crispy topping that always impresses.
More recipes you’ll love!
- cookie dough protein bars
- High protein bread
- Cottage cheese protein brownies
- Blue salt trick recipe
- cottage cheese chocolate mousse
- Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs
Frequently Asked Questions about High protein mac and cheese
How to get more protein in mac and cheese?
Use high protein ingredients like chickpea pasta, cottage cheese, and shredded chicken. This high protein mac and cheese recipe checks all the boxes.
Is mac and cheese a good source of protein?
Traditional mac and cheese isn’t. But this version, with cottage cheese and chickpea pasta makes protein in mac and cheese a reality.
What protein goes with mac and cheese healthy?
Grilled chicken, turkey sausage, tofu, or even lentils pair well with protein mac and cheese for a complete meal.
How to make mac n cheese healthier?
Swap out the butter and cream for cottage cheese, use high-protein pasta, and sneak in some veggies. That’s exactly how I made this protein mac and cheese recipe.
Conclusion: Nourishment from the Heart
High protein mac and cheese is more than a recipe, it’s a story of love, resilience, and nourishment. It’s the meal I turn to when the day feels heavy, when my boys need cheering up, or when I just want to taste something that feels like home.
Cooking is how we show love. Try this high protein mac and cheese recipe and tag me if it brought comfort or joy to your table. Because food isn’t just fuel, it’s how we care for each other, one warm, cheesy bite at a time.
If this brought warmth to your kitchen, share it with someone you love. and make sure you Follow on Facebook.
