By admin
Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm, gooey bowl of mac and cheese. The dish is basically a pair of pajamas in food form, and if hygge had a mascot, mac and cheese would likely be it.
But, you can’t always count on it to being a protein-packed dinner that keeps you satisfied. Cheese is an OK source of protein, but the majority of its calories come from fat. Pasta packs a little bit of protein, too, but it’s mainly a carb source (even whole grain pasta, which contains far more fiber than the white variety, isn’t a significant source of protein).
On the other hand, these 13 mac and cheese recipes contain protein-packed ingredient extras like chicken, beans, and nutritional yeast, to name a few. Each one is filled with at least 15 grams of protein (the amount registered dietitians recommend eating with every meal) as well as plenty of fiber and healthy carbs. With tons of veggies and ingredients like whole wheat pasta and quinoa, they really do have all the nutrients you need to feel satisfied. Heck, some of them are even vegan! So the next time you treat yourself with a cheesy bowl, you’ll be taking care of yourself, too.
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http://www.amuse-your-bouche.com1 One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac from Amuse Your Bouche
This mac and cheese tastes meaty without any meat with some help from kidney beans and mushrooms. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 521 calories, 22 g protein
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https://cafedelites.com2 Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese from Cafe Delites
Sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and three different kinds of cheese (parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar) make for a mac that’s truly delicious. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 586 calories, 33 g protein
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https://www.cottercrunch.com3 Vegan Jalapeño Chickpea Mac and Cheese from Cotter Crunch
Nutritional yeast and almond milk keep this recipe vegan but also make it taste “cheesy.” Chickpeas and lentil pasta pump up the protein and fiber count. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 430 calories, 27 g protein
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https://healthynibblesandbits.com4 Butternut Squash Baked Mac and Cheese from Healthy Nibbles and Bits
Butternut squash and mac and cheese are a perfect match, and this hearty casserole more than proves that. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 495 calories, 24 g protein
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https://pinchofyum.com5 Steak and Cheddar Mac and Cheese from Pinch of Yum
When you really feel like treating yourself, this steak mac and cheese recipe is calling your name. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 484 calories, 28 g protein
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https://www.wellplated.com6 Instant Pot Cauliflower Mac and Cheese from Well Plated
When you have a mad mac and cheese craving that needs to be satisfied ASAP, make this super fast Instant Pot version. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 378 calories, 18 g protein
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https://damndelicious.net7 Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese from Damn Delicious
Damn Delicious makes this recipe a bit higher in protein and lower in saturated fat by using Greek yogurt in place of cream. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 369 calories, 15 g protein
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https://www.skinnytaste.com8 Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese from SkinnyTaste
Think of this casserole as broccoli-cheddar soup in mac and cheese form with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 315 calories, 18 g protein
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https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com9 Stovetop Southwest Tuna Mac and Cheese from Ambitious Kitchen
With lots of tuna and cheddar cheese, this tastes like a cross between mac and cheese and a tuna melt. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 425 calories, 23 g protein
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https://www.foodfaithfitness.com10 Mac and Cheese With Zucchini Noodles from Food Faith Fitness
And you thought you’d seen the last new way to use zucchini noodles! Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 247 calories, 21 g protein
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https://www.simplyquinoa.com11 One-Pot Quinoa Mac and Cheese from Simply Quinoa
Even though this recipe doesn’t technically have any mac, it tastes just as good and cheesy as any other version. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 341 calories, 30 g protein
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https://minimalistbaker.com12 Mushroom and Asparagus Mac and Cheese from Minimalist Baker
Made with nutritional yeast and almond milk, this mac is actually totally cheese free—but you’d never guess just by looking at it! Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 549 calories, 15 g protein
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https://fitfoodiefinds.com/13 Avocado Mac and Cheese from Fit Foodie Finds
Creamy avocado with cheese is a combination that just makes sense. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 485 calories, 20 g protein
