Kamil Perry
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food for many, but it often lacks protein and other nutrients. Luckily, there are several ways to increase the protein content of boxed macaroni and cheese. This can be done by adding ingredients like Greek yogurt, meat sticks, or chicken, as well as using high-protein pasta. For those who want to make their mac and cheese from scratch, blending cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, and protein powder creates a creamy and tasty sauce that boosts the protein content even further.
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What You'll Learn
Use high-protein pasta
One of the easiest ways to add protein to boxed macaroni and cheese is to use high-protein pasta. There are several options available in the market, and here are some of the popular ones:
Barilla Protein+ Pasta
Barilla's Protein+ pasta is a popular choice among those seeking a high-protein option. It contains gluten in the form of semolina, durum wheat, barley, and spelt flour, and is supplemented with lentils, peas, and chickpeas. This combination gives it a classic pasta taste, according to some reviewers. It has 10 grams of protein and 190 calories per serving. It has received positive reviews for its taste and texture, with some noting that it is very similar to traditional pasta.
Banza Chickpea Pasta
Banza is another well-known brand in the high-protein pasta space. Their classic rotini is made from chickpeas, tapioca, and xanthan gum, and some varieties also include pea protein. While it has a slightly different texture than regular pasta and can get foamy during cooking, it has been praised for its mild flavor that pairs well with sauces. Banza offers a range of shapes, including penne, rotini, and elbows. Each serving provides 11 grams of protein and 190 calories.
Chickpea Pasta
In general, chickpea pasta is a good option for those seeking a gluten-free, high-protein alternative. While some people may not prefer the texture or taste of chickpea pasta, others find that it works well in pasta salads and with various sauces. Aldi offers a chickpea pasta that has received positive reviews for its taste and texture.
Goodles Pasta
Goodles is a nutrient-enhanced pasta with 21 nutrients from various plants. It has received mostly positive reviews, with some finding that it tastes and feels similar to regular boxed pasta. Goodles offers both flavored and unflavored pasta in various shapes, including Lucky Penne, Loopdy-Loos, and Curveballs.
When making boxed macaroni and cheese, simply replace the regular pasta with one of these high-protein options to boost your protein intake.
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Add meat, such as chicken
Adding meat to your boxed macaroni and cheese is a great way to increase the protein content of your meal. Chicken is an excellent choice for this purpose. Here's how you can do it:
First, prepare the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the cooked macaroni and set it aside. You can use regular macaroni or opt for a high-protein variety to further boost the protein content.
Now, let's talk about the chicken. You can use shredded or sliced chicken breast. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that works well. Simply shred or slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can also use chicken tenderloins and blacken them for extra flavour.
Once your chicken is prepared, it's time to combine it with the macaroni. Add the cooked macaroni to a large bowl and mix in the chicken. You can also add some of the cheese sauce from the boxed mix to help bind everything together. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and coated in the sauce.
If you want to take it a step further, you can create a chicken topping for your macaroni and cheese. Take a small skillet and melt some butter or heat up olive oil over medium heat. Add your chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown. This will add a nice texture and extra flavour to your dish.
Finally, serve your protein-packed macaroni and cheese! You can top it with the toasted chicken pieces and some shredded cheese for an indulgent and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
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Use Greek yoghurt
Greek yoghurt is a great way to add protein to your boxed macaroni and cheese. It's a simple swap that keeps the dish rich and satisfying, with a tangy flavour that pairs well with sharp cheddar.
To substitute Greek yoghurt for milk or cream in your macaroni and cheese, follow these steps:
- Cook your pasta: Start by cooking your elbow macaroni or other short pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pot used for the pasta, heat milk, Greek yoghurt, butter, salt, pepper, mustard, and paprika over medium-low heat. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined and heated through, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the pot with the sauce and toss to fully coat the pasta for about 2 minutes.
- Add cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the cheese until it is completely melted.
- Adjust and serve: If needed, adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a little pasta water to make it creamier. Serve your Greek yoghurt macaroni and cheese immediately.
When choosing your ingredients, opt for plain Greek yoghurt, and consider the fat content to suit your preference. For fewer calories, choose a 0% or low-fat option, or go for 5% or whole milk for a creamier result. For the cheese, a sharp cheddar will give you that classic mac and cheese flavour. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as chickpea shell pasta, to boost the protein content even further.
Remember, Greek yoghurt can curdle if overheated, so be careful with the temperature when making your sauce. This method of adding Greek yoghurt is a great way to boost the protein content of your boxed macaroni and cheese while creating a delicious, creamy, and tangy dish.
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Add protein powder
To add protein powder to box macaroni and cheese, start by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
Next, prepare the cheese sauce by blending the following ingredients in a blender or food processor:
- Cottage cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Non-fat milk
- Protein powder
- Cornstarch
- Salt (optional)
Blend the ingredients until smooth. Pour the cheese mixture into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Now, add the cooked macaroni back into the saucepan and mix everything together. Stir well to ensure that all the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce. If using protein powder, make sure to stir it through thoroughly.
Finally, adjust the seasoning and serve immediately. You can also add some extra toppings, such as toasted panko, shredded cheddar, or chives.
This recipe is a great way to boost the protein content of your macaroni and cheese without compromising on taste or texture. The protein powder adds an extra 30+ grams of protein to the dish, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
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Use full-fat cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be easily made higher in protein. One way to do this is by using full-fat cheese. While it may be tempting to opt for reduced-fat or non-fat cheese to cut down on calories, using full-fat cheese has several benefits when it comes to making macaroni and cheese.
First, full-fat cheese melts better than its reduced-fat counterparts. This is especially important in macaroni and cheese, where you want a creamy and smooth sauce that coats the pasta evenly. Reduced-fat cheese may not melt as well, resulting in a sauce that is lumpy or greasy. By using full-fat cheese, you can ensure that your macaroni and cheese has a rich and creamy texture.
Another benefit of using full-fat cheese is that it adds flavour to the dish. A sharp cheddar cheese, for example, will boost the cheese flavour in every bite. The higher fat content also means that you can use less cheese while still achieving a tasty and satisfying dish. Additionally, full-fat cheese helps to create a more indulgent and hearty meal. This can be especially important if you're serving macaroni and cheese as a main course or needing a more substantial dish.
When making macaroni and cheese with full-fat cheese, it's important to shred the cheese by hand. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but shredding it yourself will result in a fresher taste and better melting. Additionally, it's recommended to use a combination of low-fat and full-fat cheese to balance the fat content and still achieve a creamy texture. Experiment with different types of full-fat cheese, such as cheddar, to find the one that suits your taste preferences and creates the creamiest sauce.
Overall, using full-fat cheese in your box macaroni and cheese is a great way to increase the protein content while also improving the flavour, texture, and overall experience of this classic comfort food. By shredding the cheese yourself and blending it with other ingredients like milk, cornstarch, and protein powder, you can create a delicious and hearty meal that's both satisfying and nutritious.
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Frequently asked questions
You can add more protein to boxed macaroni and cheese by using high-protein pasta, adding meat or chicken, or adding protein powder to the sauce.
Good sources of protein to add to box macaroni and cheese include meat or chicken, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and protein powder.
High-protein pasta options include chickpea pasta, gluten-free pasta, and Barilla Protein Plus Elbow Pasta.
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