Print

High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

4.9 from 23 reviews

This High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a nutritious twist on the classic comfort food. Using protein-rich chickpea pasta and creamy cottage cheese combined with flavorful cheeses and spices, this dish delivers a satisfying, high-protein meal perfect for those seeking a healthier mac and cheese option without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups dry chickpea pasta (or pasta of choice)

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 2/3 cups cottage cheese (4% fat)
  • 1/2 cup skim milk (or milk of choice)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese
  • 2/3 cup cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Prepare your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Make the cheese sauce: Add cottage cheese, skim milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to a blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  3. Heat the sauce: Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into a pan on low heat to gently warm it without curdling.
  4. Add cheeses and nutritional yeast: Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and nutritional yeast. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and all the cheese has melted.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the pan with the cheese sauce and stir well to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy cheese mixture.
  6. Finish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle more cheese on top for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this protein-packed twist on classic mac and cheese!

Notes

  • Using chickpea pasta increases protein and fiber content compared to traditional pasta.
  • You can substitute milk with any preferred variety, but skim milk provides more protein than most plant-based milks.
  • Nutritional yeast is optional but adds a cheesy, nutty flavor and extra nutrients.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
  • To make it vegetarian, ensure the cheeses used are free from animal rennet.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein mac and cheese, cottage cheese mac and cheese, healthy mac and cheese, chickpea pasta recipe, vegetarian mac and cheese