Daily Facts 101

🧀💪 HIGH-PROTEIN MAC & CHEESE (45G PROTEIN!)

If you told me this bowl of creamy mac and cheese had **45 grams of protein**, I probably wouldn't believe you.

But the secret isn't protein powder.

It's cottage cheese.

Once blended until completely smooth, it creates a rich, velvety cheese sauce that tastes just like traditional mac and cheese—only with a serious protein boost.

📸 Swipe through the photos for the full step-by-step recipe!

✨ INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz (225g) pasta or high-protein pasta
• 1 cup (225g) cottage cheese
• 1 cup (113g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup (25g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 HOW TO MAKE IT

1️⃣ Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water before draining.

2️⃣ Add cottage cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

3️⃣ Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan over low heat. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring continuously until melted and silky smooth.

4️⃣ Add the cooked pasta and toss until every piece is coated in the creamy cheese sauce.

5️⃣ If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

6️⃣ Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper.

🔥 NUTRITION (Approximate Per Serving)

• 520 Calories
• 45g Protein
• 45g Carbs
• 18g Fat

And just look at that cheese pull... 🤤

Creamy. Rich. Perfectly cheesy.

Everything you want from mac and cheese without sacrificing your protein goals.

This might be one of the easiest high-protein comfort meals you'll ever make!

👇 Would you try this protein-packed mac & cheese? Tag someone who needs this recipe!