If you love classic mac and cheese but want something that fits your macros a little better, this Protein Mac and Cheese is a game-changer. It’s packed with protein from cottage cheese, reduced-fat cheddar, and cream cheese while still giving you that creamy, cheesy comfort food vibe everyone loves. The sauce blends up super smooth, coats the pasta perfectly, and reheats great for the week ahead. It’s cozy, satisfying, and an easy way to get a solid dose of protein into a meal the whole family will actually enjoy. Perfect for weekly meal prep or a simple dinner that still hits your goals. 🧀💪
Recipe Makes: 8 Servings (about 10.5oz each)
*Per Seriving:
456 Calories
30g Protein
49g Carbs
15g Fat
(*Your macros might vary slightly based on your ingredients or brands of product)
Ingredients
- 16 Oz Cavatappi Or Similar Pasta
- 225g Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese
- 850g Low Fat Cottage Cheese (I Use 2%)
- 150g 1/3 Cream Cheese (Neufchatel)
- 250g Rico’s Cheese Sauce (Canned)
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2–1 Tsp Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Cook all the pasta stovetop per the box directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, blend the reduced-fat cheese, cottage cheese, and cream cheese in a food processor (or similar blender). Blend till creamy, might take a minute or two in a ninja style blender.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, set it aside and add the blended sauce and Rico cheese sauce into the pot you cooked the pasta in, and heat until it starts to look warm and melty. Once it’s warm and melty, add in the seasoning and then the pasta.
- Stir until everything is coated evenly, then either eat it or store in meal prep containers for the coming week!
Serve hot and top with optional toppings if desired.
Macros Made Delicious.
~Coach Ame
