What to add to mac and cheese for protein?

To increase protein in your mac and cheese, try adding cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, unflavored protein powder, or high-protein pasta. Lean meats like grilled chicken, ground turkey, and even eggs work well too. You can also blend in white beans or tofu for a creamy texture with added nutrition. In this recipe, a combo of cottage cheese, cheddar, milk, and optional protein powder adds over 30g of protein per serving.

How to make mac n cheese healthier?

Start with better base ingredients—whole grain or chickpea pasta, low-fat cheese, and milk alternatives like unsweetened almond or skim milk. Add veggies like broccoli or spinach, and reduce sodium by using homemade seasoning instead of packaged mixes. This protein mac and cheese swaps butter and heavy cream for cottage cheese, delivering all the creaminess with less fat and more protein.

Is there protein in Chick-fil-A mac and cheese?

Yes, Chick-fil-A’s mac and cheese contains protein, primarily from cheese and milk. However, a medium serving has around 19g of protein but also 30g of fat and nearly 500 calories. If you're looking for a leaner option, this homemade protein mac and cheese delivers up to 32g of protein with far fewer calories and more control over ingredients.

What protein goes with cheese?

Cheese pairs well with many protein sources: eggs, beans, lentils, chicken, ground beef, tofu, tempeh, and cottage cheese. In this recipe, blending cottage cheese and protein powder with cheddar creates a high-protein base that works well on its own or with added chicken, bacon, or legumes. Cheese and protein go hand in hand for a satisfying, filling meal.

Protein Mac and Cheese: A Deliciously Powerful Comfort Meal

Description

This protein mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and delivers over 30 grams of protein per serving. A healthier twist on the comfort classic, it’s made with cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, and an optional scoop of protein powder. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces elbow macaroni

1 cup cottage cheese

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup unflavored protein powder (optional)

1 cup non-fat milk

1 tablespoon cornstarch

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, protein powder, milk, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

3. Pour the sauce into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it begins to simmer and thicken.

4. Add the cooked pasta back into the pan. Stir until fully coated with the sauce.

5. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings or mix-ins.

Notes

To store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To freeze: Freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 6 months.

To reheat: Thaw if frozen, then warm gently with a splash of milk on the stove or microwave.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 379
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 646mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 36mg

Keywords: Cottage cheese, protein powder, elbow macaroni, protein mac and cheese, high protein dinner, cottage cheese mac and cheese