Protein Mac and Cheese
Protein Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with lean protein for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This dish delivers nostalgia with every bite while packing in essential nutrients. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, Protein Mac and Cheese is sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground turkey or chicken until browned (5-7 minutes), breaking it up as it cooks.
- In a separate saucepan on low heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the meat mixture and pour the cheese sauce over it. Stir well to coat all noodles.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: - For added nutrition, stir in spinach or broccoli before serving. - Swap cheddar for your favorite cheese varieties for different flavors. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat with a splash of milk.