Description
A healthy twist on a classic comfort food, this Low Calorie High Protein Mac and Cheese recipe uses whole wheat macaroni and a blend of low-fat cottage cheese with nutritional yeast to create a creamy, guilt-free dish packed with protein and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz whole wheat macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Cook the whole wheat macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare cheese sauce: In a blender, combine low-fat cottage cheese, unsweetened almond milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Combine macaroni and sauce: Return the drained macaroni to the pot. Pour the blended cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta.
- Add shredded cheese: Mix in the shredded low-fat cheddar cheese evenly through the mac and cheese mixture.
- Heat mixture: Place the pot over low heat and gently warm the mac and cheese, stirring frequently to allow the cheddar to melt and the sauce to thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve warm: Once the cheese has melted and everything is heated through, serve the mac and cheese while warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use low-fat cottage cheese and cheddar to keep the calorie count low while still adding plenty of protein.
- Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without adding fat or calories.
- Be careful to heat over low heat to prevent curdling and to melt the cheddar cheese smoothly.
- You can adjust seasoning (salt and pepper) to taste.
- This dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mac and cheese, low calorie, high protein, healthy mac and cheese, low fat, whole wheat macaroni, nutritional yeast, cottage cheese, quick dinner
