Protein Mac and Cheese Recipe with 40g Protein | Ultra Creamy & Healthy

Introduction

Discover a Protein Mac and Cheese that’s ultra creamy, genuinely satisfying, and packs a purposeful punch with 40g of protein per serving. This healthy twist on a beloved comfort food combines the rich, velvety texture you crave with nutritional benefits that support muscle growth and keep you fuller for longer. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout meal, a healthier weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing family favorite, this recipe ensures you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for fitness.

Why You’ll Love This Protein Mac and Cheese Recipe

What sets this recipe apart is how effortlessly it blends health and indulgence. A high-protein base using cottage cheese and Greek yogurt replaces the usual cream and butter, while protein pasta lifts the dish to serious muscle-food territory. Sharply savory cheddar and creamy mozzarella melt perfectly, so every forkful boasts bold flavor and a satisfyingly gooey stretch. The result? All the creamy decadence of your favorite mac and cheese, but with smart ingredient swaps that fuel your body.

Creamy Cheese Sauce Made Healthy

The secret to an ultra creamy yet healthy cheese sauce lies in combining low-fat cottage cheese with reduced fat cheddar—with a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost. Blending these ingredients until smooth yields a sauce that coats every noodle luxuriously, while the natural tang of Greek yogurt adds balance and depth. A dusting of mustard powder and smoked paprika rounds out the flavor, transforming this dish into a crave-worthy masterpiece.

Easy Assembly for Weeknight Simplicity

This Protein Mac and Cheese is designed for convenience as well as nutrition. With just one pot and a blender, you can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. The protein pasta cooks in minutes, and the sauce blends up while the noodles boil. Everything gets combined, sprinkled with a bit of extra cheese, and baked off briefly for a bubbly, golden finish.

Customizations and Variations

Feel free to adapt the recipe to your preferences and dietary needs. You can use chickpea or lentil-based pasta for gluten-free options, swap in vegan cheeses for a plant-based version, or stir in veggies like spinach, peas, or roasted broccoli for even more nutrition. Grilled chicken or ground turkey can also be added for extra protein variety.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly create a categorized shopping list, streamline your grocery trip, and organize your weekly meal plan—all in one click. CookifyAI makes cooking healthy at home easier than ever!

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
2. Cook protein pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. While pasta cooks, add cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, protein powder, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the blended mixture into a large mixing bowl. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until well combined.
5. Add the cooked pasta and optional veggies to the bowl, mixing until noodles are evenly coated in sauce.
6. Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with a little extra cheddar or Parmesan if desired.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly golden on top. Let rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the proteins to set and maximize creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this protein-packed mac and cheese with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Pair with grilled chicken or turkey meatballs for an even bigger protein boost. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 2 large servings, each with approximately 40g protein, 450 calories, 9g fat, and 45g net carbs (nutritional values may vary with brands used). It’s an ideal meal for refueling after workouts or powering a busy day.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Protein Mac and Cheese fits beautifully into a healthy weekly meal plan—ideal for prepping ahead! Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to effortlessly plan your meals, generate a smart shopping list with accurate ingredient totals, and match your nutrition goals day by day.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient amounts if you prep this recipe for multiple days.
• Organizes your shopping list by grocery sections to save you time at the store.
• Prevents forgetting critical high-protein ingredients like cottage cheese or protein pasta.
• Integrates with your other saved meals so you know exactly how much to buy for the week.

Pro Tip: Planning protein-forward recipes back to back? Schedule your whole menu in CookifyAI and watch your shopping list handle all the calculations—no more guesswork or extra trips!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy ultra creamy, healthy mac and cheese whenever you crave comfort food—now with the power of 40g of protein on your plate!