If you’ve rededicated yourself to achieving new weight and fitness goals, here’s some great news. Watching what you eat doesn’t mean you have to miss out on comfort foods we all love…including Mac and Cheese!

This guilt-free version of a famous classic is nourishing as it is indulgent. Chickpea pasta delivers extra protein and fiber – great for your gut while keeping you satiated. Cottage cheese provides a lean protein boost, making this dish filling and nutritious. A smoky, creamy gouda sauce delivers more protein and richness while a hint of paprika adds a layer of gourmet decadence. 

It’s the ultimate upgrade to ordinary Mac and Cheese, perfect for protein-packed lunches or a cozy supper in.

Why we love these ingredients

Chickpea pasta is higher in fiber and protein than traditional pasta, which can help you feel full longer. That’s a great help for weight management and appetite control. Chickpea pasta contains prebiotics, which feed good gut microbes and can reduce inflammation.

Since cottage cheese is fermented, it’s a good source of gut-friendly probiotics, so it’s a perfect partner for the prebiotics in the chickpea pasta. It’s also high in protein, which promotes satiety, and supports muscle growth. This fermented cheese

Almond milk is popular as a healthy alternative to dairy drinks and for good reason.  It’s lactose-free, low in calories and packed with nutrition. Almond milk is rich in magnesium, which is important for muscle function and healthy blood pressure. It’s high levels of antioxidant vitamin E support your immune system and blood vessels. What’s more, it contains prebiotics, which promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. 

Pro tips for easy prep

Gouda cheese, which hails from southern Netherlands, is a semi-hard cheese known for its aromatic and caramel-like flavor. It’s a good melting cheese and popular in cheesy dishes and sauces. It’s mild, sweet flavor enhances other ingredients without overpowering them.

Feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gruyère is a wonderful melting cheese from Switzerland that adds creamy texture and subtle sweetness to cheese-infused comfort foods. Italian Fontina cheese has a similar flavor to Gruyère and provolone and melts especially well.

The roux adds a velvety texture to the cheese sauce. A roux is a thickening agent that helps make stews and sauces creamy. It contains equal parts of a fat [such as olive oil or butter] cooked together.

To make the roux, melt the fat in a pan over medium heat, then gradually whisk in the flour until it's smooth. Let the roux cook for about 4-5 minutes, until it loses the raw flour smell and starts to turn a light golden brown. Then, add in the rest of the sauce ingredients.

Want even more goodness? Roast some broccoli, red bell pepper, or zucchini for extra flavor, color, and nutrition.

OK—let’s do this!

High Protein Gouda Mac and Cheese

INGREDIENTS

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 8 oz Chickpea pasta or whole wheat pasta
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gouda cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Roux

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose or gluten-free flour

Toppings and Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prep: Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside. Mix the cottage cheese blender or food processor until smooth.
2. Make the roux: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
3. Prepare the Sauce: To the roux add minced garlic, almond milk, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Lower heat then add the cottage cheese into the saucepan, stirring well. Stir in shredded Gouda and continue cooking over low heat until fully melted. Adjust the sauce’s thickness with additional almond milk if needed.
5. Shut off heat. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and Toss in the sauce until evenly coated.
6. Plate the mac and cheese, then sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for garnish. Enjoy!