Well now, y’all wanna make a real hearty meal, don’t ya? I reckon you might be tired of the regular ol’ mac and cheese with just some plain pasta and a bunch of cheese. But let me tell ya, if you’re lookin’ for somethin’ with a little more power in it—ya know, more protein and fiber—you gotta give this high protein mac and cheese a try. It’ll fill yer belly right up and keep ya goin’ strong for the day!
Now, first things first, you ain’t gonna be usin’ no regular pasta in this one. Nope! We’re gonna use chickpea pasta. Don’t wrinkle yer nose, it’s real good! It’s packed with protein and a bit of fiber too, which is mighty fine for yer belly. Just like the beans we eat in the fall, chickpeas got lots of good stuff in ‘em that help keep ya full and steady throughout the day.
What you’ll need:
- 1 box of chickpea pasta (about 8 oz)
- 1 cup of cottage cheese (now this is where the protein’s at!)
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (the sharper the better, I say)
- 1/2 cup of milk, any kind you like (I prefer whole milk for that rich taste)
- 1 tablespoon of butter (for that creamy texture)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, don’t be daunted by the list of ingredients, it’s all simple stuff ya probably already got in the kitchen. First thing’s first, ya gotta cook up that chickpea pasta. Just like regular pasta, boil it up in some salted water till it’s nice and soft—don’t forget to stir it every now and then, or it’ll stick together like glue! Once it’s cooked, drain the water and set it aside.
Next, in a big ol’ pot, melt yer butter over medium heat. Once that’s good and melted, toss in the cottage cheese. Now, cottage cheese might seem a little weird at first, but trust me, it’ll melt down into that creamy goodness you’re lookin’ for. Stir it around so it gets all nice and smooth. Once that’s ready, add in your shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirrin’ it till it melts all nice and gooey-like. You want it to be smooth, no lumps in this sauce, ya hear?
Now, it’s time to add some milk. Pour it in slowly, stirrin’ as you go. This’ll make the sauce all nice and creamy, just like the kind ya see in them fancy restaurants. Once it’s all thickened up, give it a taste. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper if you like it spicier, or leave it mild—depends on your taste buds, I reckon.
Once the cheese sauce is just how you like it, throw that cooked chickpea pasta right in. Stir it all around so the pasta gets all coated with that cheesy goodness. You can let it simmer for a bit, just to let the flavors all mix in real good.
Why this is a good meal:
This mac and cheese right here is not like any ol’ mac and cheese you’ve had. No sir. It’s full of protein, so it’ll keep you full for a long time, and it’s got fiber too, which helps keep your tummy feelin’ right. With the cottage cheese and chickpea pasta, you’re gettin’ all that good stuff without the heavy feeling you get from some other cheesy dishes.
And let me tell ya, it’s a real good meal whether you’re havin’ it for lunch or dinner. I reckon it’s a bit better for you than the regular stuff, especially if you’re tryin’ to watch yer weight or just want somethin’ that gives ya more energy. Ain’t nobody got time to be feelin’ sluggish after lunch, right? So this here mac and cheese is a good way to go.
Plus, cheese is good for yer bones—gives ya that calcium—but I will say, don’t go overboard. Too much cheese can make yer blood pressure go up, and we don’t want that. So just enjoy a good bowl, and remember, balance is key.
Final Thoughts:
Well, now that I’ve told ya how to make this high protein mac and cheese, I hope y’all give it a try. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t take much time, but it’ll sure fill ya up. So next time you’re hungry, and you want somethin’ good, give this a whirl. It’s comfort food with a little bit of a healthy twist—kinda like a nice warm hug on a cold day!
Tags: [high protein mac and cheese, protein packed dinner, cottage cheese mac and cheese, healthy mac and cheese, chickpea pasta recipe]
