Protein Mac and Cheese
Servings 8
This protein-packed mac and cheese is a lighter spin on classic comfort food. It’s extra creamy with a hint of tang from Greek yogurt and offers more protein than the usual version. Use regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free macaroni.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (340 grams or 12 ounces) elbow macaroni if you're gluten-free, use GF macaroni
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (245 grams) plain low-fat Greek yoghurt or full-fat Greek yogurt, see notes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt I used 1/2 teaspoon, but I like things salty
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper + more as garnish
- 1/8 teaspoon (m) paprika
- 1 1/2 cups (170 grams or 6 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese grated, Pecorino or Romano cheeses also work well
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente. It’s important not to overcook it. Use a colander to drain the pasta but don’t rinse.3 cups (340 grams or 12 ounces) elbow macaroni
- Add the remaining ingredients to the pot (no need to rinse it), and stir until smooth and thickened.1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (245 grams) plain low-fat Greek yoghurt, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon (m) paprika, 1 1/2 cups (170 grams or 6 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese
- Add the cooked macaroni and stir until coated.
- Serve immediately. Leftovers can be cooled and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Notes
- I tested this with full-fat (10%) and low-fat Greek yogurt (2-5%) and both worked. The photographer used Fage 2% in the photos, and it worked great. She first used non-fat Chobani and said the cheese sauce came out grainy. We don't have Chobani where I live, so I can't test it myself. So I highly recommend choosing low-fat or full-fat and not non-fat.
- This recipe yields 6-8 servings. The nutritional info was calculated based on 8 servings.
- The nutrition information provided is calculated as a courtesy and is only an estimate. I am not a licensed nutritionist or dietitian. For the most accurate nutritional data, consult a professional or use your preferred calculator.
Nutrition
Calories: 282kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 13gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 142mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 301IUVitamin C: 0.001mgCalcium: 252mgIron: 1mgNet Carbs: 33
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