Description
Creamy “My Best Protein Mac and Cheese” delivers comfort and nutrition in one delightful dish. Protein-packed noodles and rich cheese sauce create a satisfying meal sure to please fitness enthusiasts and flavor seekers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (450g) ground turkey
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Pasta and Liquid:
- 8 ounces (225g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame, introducing ground turkey and sautéing until completely browned and fully cooked through.
- Sprinkle aromatic seasonings – garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper – directly onto the turkey, thoroughly incorporating these flavors.
- Gently warm milk in a separate saucepan, introducing Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard to create a silky, uniform base.
- Gradually incorporate shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, continuously whisking to develop a luxuriously smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
- Merge the cooked pasta and seasoned turkey into the cheese sauce, ensuring every morsel receives an even, decadent coating.
- Sample the mixture, fine-tuning seasoning with additional salt and pepper to elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Transfer to serving dishes, presenting a protein-enriched, comforting mac and cheese that promises both nutrition and satisfaction.
Notes
- Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains high protein content without compromising flavor.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack to elevate the taste profile and add complexity.
- Boost nutritional value by incorporating roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower directly into the mac and cheese for extra fiber and nutrients.
- Create a gluten-free alternative by using chickpea or lentil pasta, which provides additional protein and maintains a similar texture to traditional pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 100mg