Creamy High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese

This High Protein Mac & Cheese is the healthier version of your favorite comfort food! Made with a creamy cottage cheese sauce, it's packed with extra protein, takes less than 20 minutes to make, and is a total weeknight win. Plus it's gluten free thanks to the chickpea noodles (but shhh no one will ever know!)

As someone who eats high-protein meals daily, I’ve tested a lot of better-for-you mac and cheese recipes over the years… and most of them don’t quite hit like the traditional mac. But this one? She delivers. Creamy sauce, bold flavor, and a protein boost in every bite. If you're into delicious recipes that actually fuel you, thank me later.

It’s also a great option when you want something cozy but still macro-friendly. I usually pair it with a side salad or some air fryer salmon or add some turkey bacon for a little crunch. If you love recipes like my High Protein Pasta Salad or Crispy Dill Pickle Tater Tot Potato Salad, this one’s going straight to the top of your meal prep rotation.

Why You'll Love This High Protein Mac

• Creamy texture without the heavy cream
• Extra protein from cottage cheese, cheddar, and high protein pasta
• Quick & easy recipe that comes together in under 20 minutes
• Great way to sneak in healthy ingredients (and no one will know)
• Healthy mac and cheese that the whole family will devour
• A high-protein variety of a classic that’s still rich, comforting, and flavorful

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High Protein Mac & Cheese Ingredients and Tested Substitutions

• Protein Pasta. I like  Kaizen lupini bean pasta (20 g protein per serving, lowest net carb option), Banza chickpea pasta (11 g protein per serving), or any high protein pasta of choice. Cook according to package directions until al dente.
• Cottage Cheese. This is the secret ingredient for our creamy sauce. I love Good Culture for the best flavor and texture. One cup of cottage cheese packs around 25g protein into the full recipe! Note that some brands have more liquid in them than others. If you have a very liquidy cottage cheese but want a thicker sauce, use a slotted spoon to measure out the cottage cheese to strain some of the liquid out.
• Cheese. Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella (½ cup each). Full disclosure: pre-shredded cheese is fine here, but shredding it yourself gives the creamiest melt, especially for the cheddar.
• Milk. Use whatever you have on hand: whole milk, soy milk, oat milk, etc. You will only need this in the event your cheese sauce is too thick.
• Arrowroot powder. Arrowroot acts like a gluten-free flour to help the sauce thicken. Cornstarch works just as well!
• Spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Don’t skip the red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. For an easier to digest option, use garlic scapes and green onion powder from Gourmend Foods instead. PDL15 will save you 15% off your order!
• Butter. Just 1–2 tablespoons for richness. Optional, but highly encouraged. I prefer to use grass fed unsalted butter.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t skip the blender or food processor step; it’s what gives this healthy mac its ultra creamy texture.
• If the mac & cheese sauce is too thick, you can add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it thins out.
• Note that some brands have more liquid in them than others. If you have a very liquidy cottage cheese but want a thicker sauce, use a slotted spoon to measure out the cottage cheese to strain some of the liquid out.
• For additional protein, you can stir in cooked chicken breast, ground beef or even crispy turkey bacon.
• Use lentil pasta or lupini bean pasta for extra grams of fiber and protein, without sacrificing pasta taste.
• Drizzle a little hot honey over the finished dish for a sweet & spicy flavor kick!

High Protein Mac & Cheese Step by Step Instructions

1. Boil water and cook pasta according to package directions until pasta is al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the cheese sauce. In a food processor, combine cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) & seasonings, minus the red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Melt butter & combine pasta. In a large pan over medium heat, melt 1–2 tablespoons of butter. Add cooked pasta and pour the cheese sauce over top.

4. Stir gently over medium-low heat until warmed through and thickened slightly. If the sauce is too thick you can add a bit of milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. You can also add an additional ¼ cup of cheese here to make it extra gooey!

5. Garnish & serve. Top with red pepper flakes and serve hot! You can also sprinkle with fresh parsley or a drizzle of hot honey if desired.

FAQs

How many grams of protein are in this high protein mac?
Depending on your pasta and cheese brands, one serving has around 30–35g protein and about 8–10g fat. A great option for hitting your protein goals!

Can I use regular pasta?
You can, but using a high protein pasta like Banza or lentil noodles gives you that extra protein without sacrificing flavor.

Is this a good cottage cheese recipe for meal prep?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to revive the creamy sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese

Let cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat on medium-low heat with a splash of milk to keep the texture creamy.

What to Try Next

If you loved this easy cottage cheese mac, you’ll also love these other high protein cottage cheese recipes:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
• Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse
• Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip
• ​Fudgy Cottage Cheese Brownies
• Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough
• High Protein Breakfast Bowls
• High Protein Breakfast Burritos

Don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating & review on the recipe card below and tag me on Instagram @prettydeliciouslife if you make it. I love seeing your creations!