High-Protein Mac N Cheese Recipe for Post-Workout Comfort
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with 28–35 g of protein per serving, this high-protein mac and cheese is the perfect post-workout comfort food. Made with high-protein pasta, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and extra cheese, it's a family-friendly dinner that supports muscle recovery and satisfies your cravings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340 g high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or edamame)
- 1 cup cottage cheese full-fat or low-fat
- 1 cup Greek yogurt plain, full-fat or 2%
- 1 cup high-protein milk e.g., Fairlife or regular milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1–2 scoops unflavored whey protein powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins: 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced, 1 cup steamed broccoli florets, or 1 cup spinach
- For baked topping optional:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- ½ cup extra shredded cheese
Instructions
Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the high-protein pasta according to package directions until al dente (usually 7–9 minutes).
- Drain well and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce:
- In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, high-protein milk, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, optional protein powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until completely smooth.
Heat the sauce:
- Pour the cheese mixture into a large pan over medium-low heat.
- Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly (about 5–7 minutes). Do not let it boil vigorously.
Combine pasta and sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce.
- Stir well to coat every piece evenly.
- Fold in any optional add-ins like chicken, broccoli, or spinach.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of high-protein milk or reserved pasta water.
Serve stovetop or bake:
- Stovetop version: Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
- Baked version:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle over the top, along with extra cheese.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Cool slightly and serve:
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets slightly.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, blend the cheese mixture longer or strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; you may want more salt, pepper, or cheese depending on your brands.
- This recipe is easily doubled for meal prep or feeding a crowd.