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high protein mac and cheese

High Protein Low Calorie Mac and Cheese

This high protein mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying — with fewer calories and more protein than traditional versions. Made with cottage cheese and a touch of real cheddar, it's a comfort food favorite with a healthy twist. Ready in under 20 minutes!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 172
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup 225g low-fat cottage cheese
  • ¼ cup 60ml 2% milk
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp Himalayan salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 6 oz 170g high-protein pasta
  • 1 oz 28g finely grated cheddar cheese
  • 2 oz 56g shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt for pasta water

Method
 

Boil Pasta Water
  1. Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil. Cover to speed up boiling time.
Make Sauce Base
  1. In a blender or using an immersion blender, blend together cottage cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Cook Pasta
  1. Once the water boils, add kosher salt and pasta. Stir occasionally and cook according to the pasta’s instructions.
Warm Sauce Gently
  1. Pour the blended sauce into a warm (not hot) pan and gently heat over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid overheating to prevent curdling.
  2. Add Cheddar Cheese
  3. Once the sauce is hot, stir in the grated cheddar cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
Combine with Pasta
  1. Drain cooked pasta and add it to the sauce. Remove the pan from heat.
  2. Add Mozzarella Cheese
  3. Immediately after removing from heat, stir in shredded mozzarella. Let it melt into the hot pasta.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Serve hot on its own or with a side of lean protein like pork tenderloin or grilled chicken.

Notes

  • For best results, avoid adding mozzarella to the sauce before combining with pasta. It may clump when melted directly in the sauce.
  • Add a sprinkle of paprika, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a kick.
  • You can use reduced-fat cheese for fewer calories.