Healthy Mac and Cheese
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5.0
39 reviews
Excellent
Healthy Mac and Cheese
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This healthy mac and cheese is easy, cheesy, and ready in under 20 minutes. Packed with 22 grams of protein per serving, it's a lighter version made with cottage cheese. No need for breadcrumbs, heavy cream, or the oven!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz noodles (elbow pasta) chickpea, whole wheat, regular, gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1.5 tablespoon all-purpose or gluten-free 1:1 flour
- ½ cup broth vegetable or chicken
- ¾ cup low-fat milk or any milk
- ½ cup cottage cheese blended (see instructions)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese or low-fat cheddar. I have also made this with ½ gruyere and ½ cheddar, so you can get creative with cheese choice.
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
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Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Set aside.
- On medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pot. Add 1.5 tablespoon of flour and mix until a golden brown roux forms, stirring often. This takes about 5 minutes. Monitor the heat and remove the pot if necessary to prevent overheating.
- Meanwhile, blend the cottage cheese in a high-speed blender to ensure it is smooth and without chunks.
- Slowly whisk in ½ cup of broth, followed by ¾ cup of low-fat milk. Bring the mixture to a boil on high heat.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add half of the cheddar cheese and all the cottage cheese. Add the ground pepper. Whisk until it melts into the sauce.
- Add the remaining cheddar cheese and continue to whisk or stir until fully melted.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked noodles and toss until the noodles are evenly coated.
- Taste and add salt if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cottage Cheese: You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese in the mac & cheese recipe. Ricotta will add a rich and creamy texture to the sauce, creating a velvety consistency similar to cottage cheese. Adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences and enjoy the delicious results.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, buffalo sauce, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use Chickpea or Protien Pasta: Choose chickpea pasta for a secret 11g of extra protein per serving, totaling up to 22 grams per serving. This is compared to regular noodles with only 2g.
- Vegetable Boost: Sneak in extra nutrients by adding finely chopped vegetables to the cheese sauce. Spinach, broccoli, or cauliflower work well.
- Garlic Infusion: Sauté minced garlic with the butter before adding the flour to infuse the sauce with a subtle garlic essence.
- Protein Boost: Incorporate grilled chicken or turkey for added protein, transforming your mac & cheese into a hearty meal.
- Buffalo Chicken: Toss in shredded cooked chicken and a drizzle of buffalo sauce for a spicy and protein-packed twist.
- Truffle: Drizzling truffle oil over the finished mac & cheese – so good!
- Storing: To store mac and cheese, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: When reheating, use the microwave for individual portions, stirring occasionally, or reheat in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess if needed. Avoid overcooking to prevent the sauce from drying out.
Nutrition Information
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Calories
316kcal
(16%)
Carbohydrates
36g
(12%)
Protein
22g
(44%)
Fat
12g
(18%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.3g
Monounsaturated Fat
2g
Trans Fat
0.1g
Cholesterol
26mg
(9%)
Sodium
349mg
(15%)
Potassium
86mg
(2%)
Fiber
8g
(32%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
355IU
(7%)
Calcium
223mg
(22%)
Iron
6mg
(33%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 316 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 316kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 26mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 349mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 86mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 355IU | 7% |
| Calcium | 223mg | 22% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
39 reviews
Excellent
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