Protein Packed Mac and Cheese

This Protein Packed Mac and Cheese is an absolute favorite of ours. It is just as easy as boxed macaroni and cheese yet has double the protein and I even sneak in some veggies.

It won’t come as a surprise when I tell you this is a family favorite recipe. Anything cheese and pasta wins my kids over and this dish is on repeat. My kids love macaroni and cheese. And of course there are times I make boxed mac and cheese. But there are also times when I make this protein packed version. It is just as easy as boxed mac. Yet it has double the amount of protein in it. 

Mac and cheese will forever be one of the best meals to make. It gives you such nostalgic feels and it’s something almost everyone loves. There is really nothing better than cheesy and carbs and when you try. this version that also has some protein to it – it takes to to a whole new level.

The usual macaroni and cheese doesn’t have much nutrients to it. Sure there’s calcium, healthy fats but minimal protein or fiber is involved. By adding the greek yogurt and cut up meat sticks (don’t knock it till you try it) for protein, plus fiber from the broccoli, this really rounds out the meal in the best way.

I cannot wait to hear what you think of this idea. I hope you love it as much as we do!

What ingredients you need to make protein packed mac and cheese:

• Gluten-free pasta – Any small shaped gluten-free pasta works. And if you’re not gluten-free, you can use any pasta you want.
• Cheddar cheese – I like using a fresh block of cheddar so it melts easily
• Plain greek yogurt – plain greek yogurt has more protein so it’s my personal go-to but any creamy plain yogurt can work
• Paprika, mustard seed powder, garlic powder – feel free to use or add in any other spaces you like here too
• Frozen broccoli florets – I roughly chop these. I also do frozen over fresh since cook time is shorter
• Grass-fed meat sticks – code RACHL for 15% off of our favorite ones

How to make protein mac and cheese:

1. Cook the pasta per directions on the package. Add frozen broccoli in about 5 minutes in. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the water you cooked the pasta in
2. Add the pasta and broccoli back to the pot and add in the cheese, yogurt, spices and a few tablespoons of the water as needed to mix until you get the right consistency
3. Toss in the chopped meat sticks to combine

4. Serve while warm!

FAQs and tips on making this protein-loaded mac and cheese:

• What kind of pasta works best? I love using a smaller pasta shape. But really any can work. I use gluten-free elbows or penne works too.
• Do I have to add the meat sticks in? Nope! It just adds more protein and it’s easier than cooking meat from scratch.
• I don’t like broccoli, what else can I use? Spinach, carrots, peas, really any veggies that quickly cooks can work.
• Can I use cheese that is already shredded? You can but a block of cheese melts better because it doesn’t have any casings on it. It’s better and fresh and tastes 100x better. But if shredded cheese is all you have, you can of course still use it.
• Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Sub the cheese with vegan cheese and yogurt and it is dairy-free for you!

A few other delicious comfort food recipes to try:

EASY Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Healthier Crispy Paleo Chicken Tenders

Oven-Baked Paleo Veggie Chicken Nuggets

One-Pot Squash Mac and Cheese (gluten-free)