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High Protein Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe | Healthy & Delicious Comfort Food

High Protein Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe | Healthy & Delicious Comfort Food

This high-protein baked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and packed with 25+ grams of protein per serving—thanks to Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and high-protein pasta. It’s a healthy spin on comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice flavor!

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta)

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup milk of choice

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)

Olive oil spray (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.

2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, milk, Dijon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

4. Pour the cheese mixture into a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup cheddar and Parmesan.

5. Fold in cooked pasta and stir to coat.

6. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar.

7. (Optional) Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and lightly spray with olive oil for a crispy top.

8. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use whole grain or legume-based pasta to increase fiber and protein.

• Add cooked chicken, tuna, or peas for extra protein and variety.

• Make it gluten-free with GF pasta and breadcrumbs.

  • Author: Mila Bryn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta, High Protein
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: high protein baked mac and cheese, healthy mac and cheese recipe, protein mac and cheese, cottage cheese mac and cheese