Servings
Font
Back
0 from 39 votes

Healthy Mac and Cheese

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!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 316 kcal
Course: Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: American

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

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. Meanwhile, blend the cottage cheese in a high-speed blender to ensure it is smooth and without chunks.
  4. Slowly whisk in ½ cup of broth, followed by ¾ cup of low-fat milk. Bring the mixture to a boil on high heat.
  5. 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.
  6. Add the remaining cheddar cheese and continue to whisk or stir until fully melted.
  7. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked noodles and toss until the noodles are evenly coated.
  8. 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

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

% 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.