High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe
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.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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)
- Cook the pasta: Prepare your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- 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.
- Heat the sauce: Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into a pan on low heat to gently warm it without curdling.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: high protein mac and cheese, cottage cheese mac and cheese, healthy mac and cheese, chickpea pasta recipe, vegetarian mac and cheese