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5 from 1 vote

Protein-Packed-Macaroni and Cheese

Cheese lovers rejoice – you can enjoy your favorite creamy comfort food and get your protein, too.  This homestyle macaroni and cheese is packed with 21 grams of protein per servings and tastes absolutely delicious.
Author: Heather Mangieri, RDN

Ingredients

  • 8 cups Water
  • 16 oz Box of Cellentani Pasta
  • 1 cup Skim Milk
  • 1 tbsp Corn Starch
  • 2 cups 2% Low-Fat Cottage Cheese
  • 3 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 4 1/2 cups Frozen Broccoli
  • 1/3 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F. In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the Cellentani (or pasta of your choice) and boil until firm. Once cooked, drain and return to the sauce pan.
  • Place broccoli in a microwave safe dish and steam until cooked, but still firm. (~10 minutes) Set aside.
  • Put the cottage cheese in a Cuisinart and blend until completely pureed. Add 1 cup milk, 1 tbsp. corn starch and black pepper, then continue mixing. Once combined, pour over the macaroni. Stir well.
  • Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the macaroni and continue to stir over medium-low heat until completely melted. Then, stir in the broccoli.
  • Transfer the macaroni to a 9 X13 baking pan.
  • Melt the butter and mix it into the bread crumbs. Crumble topping over the macaroni and transfer to the oven.
  • Bake 5-8 minutes until the bread crumbs are golden brown and the cheese bubbles.

Notes

  • Recipe Makes: 10 Servings                 
  • Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
  • Pairing Recommendation: This recipe is made to include everything you need for the meal. Add color by serving with a side of carrots, a small dark-green leafy salad or other colorful non-starchy vegetable.
 
  • Nutrition Facts (per serving) - 400 calories, 44 grams’ carbohydrates, 2 grams’ fiber, 21 grams’ protein, 16 grams’ fat, 8 grams saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 470 mg sodium, 30% daily calcium, 6% daily iron, 6% daily potassium
 
  • Meal Planning Servings:  3 CHO; 3 PRO; 3 FAT