My Go-To High Protein Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

This high protein macaroni and cheese recipe is a serious game changer. It combines high protein pasta with an ultra-creamy, protein-packed cheese sauce. Ready in 15 minutes, every bite explodes with flavor and is sure to leave you full all day long!

MY TAKE ON HIGH PROTEIN MACARONI AND CHEESE

If you're looking to squeeze in more protein to your comfort foods, you're going to fall head over heels for this healthy mac and cheese recipe.

This mac and cheese isn't just loaded with protein. It's also loaded with seriously good flavor. I mean, the cheese sauce is so rich and creamy, and when you couple that with al dente pasta, every bite is filled with pure deliciousness.

Plus, making this mac and cheese is as easy as it gets. In fact, it's just as easy to make as any traditional mac and cheese out there is - only 5 minutes of prep time is needed to put it together. The only difference with this recipe is that it packs over 20 grams of protein per serving.

Joe Tip (sort of like a "pro-tip" but better): I like to meal prep this recipe for the week. The mac and cheese holds up super good all week long, and it's so convenient having such a tasty high protein lunch ready to go at the drop of a hat.

For what it's worth, I double the recipe, and usually, I make this roasted kohlrabi recipe as a side to go with it.

INGREDIENTS

Ok, so as far as ingredients go, this mac and cheese recipe is made with some really simple ones. And the good news is whatever you don't have on hand, you can easily get at your nearest grocery store!

With that said, here's everything you'll need to make the high protein cheese sauce:

• 16oz. cottage cheese, low-fat
• ⅔ cup pre-shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup parmesan
• ¼ cup cheddar cheese powder (Like the one from a “normal” mac and cheese box, or this stuff that you can buy online)
• ½ cup fairlife protein milk

And here's what you'll need for the pasta:

• 8oz. high protein pasta
• 6 Cups of water
• Salt, to taste

HOW TO MAKE HIGH PROTEIN MAC AND CHEESE

Now it's time for the fun part: it's time to make some mac and cheese!

As I just mentioned, making this recipe is as easy as it gets. All you have to do is boil the pasta, blend the sauce until it's smooth, then fold everything together.

It's really that simple!

So, without further ado, let's cut to the chase and make some cottage cheese mac and cheese!

STEP 1: COOK PASTA

First, set a large pot of around 8 cups of water to boil.

Once it's boiling, add the pasta with a dash of salt and cook according to the package directions.

Then, when it's finished cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.

STEP 2: MAKE THE CHEESE SAUCE

While the pasta is boiling you'll want to make the sauce. To do this, combine the cottage cheese with the remaining ingredients in a food processor - or high-speed blender - and blend until smooth.

Give the sauce a taste and add any extra seasonings as needed, like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of hot sauce.

Once you have a smooth sauce, transfer it to a saucepot over medium heat and simmer it until it's smooth and a tiny bit runny.

STEP 3: COMBINE INGREDIENTS

After the sauce has been simmering for a few minutes, add the drained pasta to it. Gently stir to fully coat the pasta in the sauce, and again, give it a taste and add extra salt if needed.

Lastly, serve the pasta warm with extra parmesan cheese on top.

HOW TO STORE THE HIGH PROTEIN MAC AND CHEESE

This recipe makes 4 servings, which is just enough to feed my hungry family. That said, if you think you'll need more, you can easily make a double batch and store anything you don't finish. As I said earlier, it does make a fantastic meal prep option.

As for those leftovers, let them cool to room temperature and then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge. Stored this way the mac and cheese will last for around 4 days.

By the way, if you want to keep your mac and cheese around for even longer, you can freeze any that you end up with in a freezer-safe container and they'll stay good for up to 6 months.

HOW TO REHEAT THE MACARONI AND CHEESE

I've had this leftover mac and cheese cold, but it's definitely better reheated.

The best way that I've found for reheating mac and cheese is either in the oven or the microwave.

To reheat the mac and cheese in the oven, just transfer it to a baking dish and bake it at 350°F (180°C) for 8-10 minutes - or until warm. Alternatively, to warm it up in the microwave, just reheat the mac in 20-second intervals until it's fully reheated.

FAQS ABOUT THIS HIGH PROTEIN MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE

WHAT'S A GOOD PROTEIN TO PUT IN THIS MAC AND CHEESE?

If you're looking to add even more protein to this macaroni and cheese recipe, you're best bet is to top it with lean grilled chicken, lean ground beef, lean ground turkey, or tofu if you're a vegetarian.

I've actually added some ground beef to this stuff several times and it's so, so good. It almost tastes identical to "Cheeseburger Helper".

CAN I MAKE THIS AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes! To make your mac and cheese in advance, simply prepare the sauce and cook the pasta as directed. Then, assemble everything in a baking dish and store it, covered, in the fridge for up to 1-2 days.

When you're ready to make it, simply bake the mac and cheese at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until warm.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Well, that's how to make my favorite high protein mac and cheese recipe!

Whenever you're craving some creamy macaroni and cheese but want to get some extra protein in, this recipe is perfect for you. The ooey-gooey cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta will give you something to look forward to for those hectic weeknight dinners!

Anyway, I hope you like this recipe as much as I do!

As always, if you make it, don't forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

MORE HIGH PROTEIN RECIPES

If you're looking for more easy high protein recipes, I have a bunch of quick and easy ones on the blog you can try next.

Here are some of my favorite ones:

• High protein pasta salad
• Banana bread
• High protein peanut butter cake
• High protein chocolate banana bread
• High protein Big Mac Salad
• Cottage cheese bread
• Cottage cheese egg salad

Oh, and if you're looking for even more tasty recipes, be sure to check out my Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube channel! I post new ones on them all of the time.