High Protein Mac and Cheese with Cottage Cheese (Quick & Easy!)

Mac & cheese was one of my absolute favorite foods growing up, and honestly, not much has changed! 

The problem with Mac and Cheese is that for the most part, it’s made with fake cheese, artificial ingredients, fillers, the macros are horrible, and overall, it just doesn’t leave me feeling great… But I still love it 😂 so I became determined to make a version that I could eat all the time, feel great after, and know that I was sticking to my healthy eating routine!

This one is creamy, cheesy, cozy… all the mac & cheese vibes, but with 40g of protein and ingredients that actually fuel you. I used high-protein pasta and cottage cheese to bump up the nutrition, and it comes together so fast. This has been my go-to lunch lately when I want something comforting but still packed with protein!

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Why You’ll Love This High Protein Mac & Cheese

• 40g protein per serving to help you stay full
• Ready in under 15 minutes
• Tastes like classic mac & cheese, but with better-for-you ingredients
• Perfect for meal prep or a post-workout meal
• Just one pot and one blender!

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

• ½ cup high protein pasta (I used Banza elbows)
• 1 (5 oz) cup cottage cheese (I used 2% good culture)
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 tsp nutritional yeast (optional, adds a cheesy flavor)
• ½ tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot starch
• Salt + pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup shredded cheese (I used Kerrygolds irish cheddar)

How to Make It

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a small pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions (about 8 minutes for Banza).
2. Blend the sauce: While the pasta cooks, add the cottage cheese, milk, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend for 30 seconds until smooth.
3. Heat the sauce: Once the pasta is done, drain it and set aside. Pour the cheese sauce into the pot over low heat and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
4. Add shredded cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s fully melted.
5. Combine: Add the pasta back into the pot, gently mix to coat, and serve right away!

Tips & Variations

• Make it even creamier: Add a splash more milk while heating the sauce if it gets too thick.
• Add veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli for extra fiber.
• Gluten-free: Make sure your pasta is certified GF (Banza is!).
• Meal prep tip: Double or triple the recipe and store individual portions in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 475
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fat: 18g
  

If you’ve been looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that fits your goals, this high protein mac and cheese hits the spot. Don’t forget to tag me if you make it – I love seeing your creations!

P.S. If you didn’t know, my app Healthy Kitchen: Meal Planner has hundreds of bonus recipes (all healthy recipes that taste amazing!) you won’t find anywhere else – plus smart meal planning and grocery tools that make healthy eating easier and help our members save hundreds of dollars a year at the grocery store. It’s all ad-free! You can learn more about our app here.