Indulging in a bowl of creamy pasta doesn't have to mean compromising your health goals. This High Protein Low Calorie Mac and Cheese is a game-changer for anyone craving comfort food while managing weight or heart health. By swapping traditional heavy cream for protein-rich Greek yogurt and using specialized pasta, we’ve created a dish that packs 14g of protein per serving with only 218 calories.
Unlike many viral recipes, this version contains no cottage cheese, relying instead on a blend of sharp cheddar, Swiss, and mozzarella for that authentic, gooey texture. It’s a perfect fit for bariatric, diabetic, and heart healthy lifestyles. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a kid-friendly side, this recipe proves you can have your mac and cheese and eat it too.
For more of our protein-packed favorites, check out our delicious collection of high protein recipes!
This recipe redefines comfort food by prioritizing high-quality protein and drastically reducing sodium and saturated fats. By utilizing nutritional yeast and Greek yogurt, we achieve a savory, "cheesy" depth of flavor without the inflammatory impact of traditional full-fat dairy sauces.
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Yes! By increasing the protein content and lowering the calorie density, this recipe helps increase satiety, making it easier to stick to a calorie-controlled diet while still enjoying favorite comfort foods.
Absolutely. Traditional mac and cheese is often a "sodium bomb," but this version contains only 95mg of sodium per serving, which is well within the limits for a heart-healthy or low-sodium diet.
No. While many high-protein recipes use blended cottage cheese, this recipe uses Greek yogurt and a blend of sharp cheddar and Swiss to achieve a smooth, traditional sauce texture.
The key is to whisk the Greek yogurt and milk together over medium heat before adding the cheese. Avoid boiling the sauce, as high heat can cause yogurt to curdle.
If you love the nostalgia of a cheesy bowl of pasta, these healthy comfort food classics offer the same satisfying flavors with heart-healthy ingredient swaps.
Discover how to enjoy your favorite noodles while staying on track with these low-calorie pasta recipes designed for weight loss and heart health.
Recipe yields 8 servings
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni to al dente according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water. Drain the pasta into a colander and lightly drizzle with olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking. Set aside.
In the same pot over medium heat, whisk together the pasta water, milk, nutritional yeast, Greek yogurt, butter, olive oil, Dijon mustard, black pepper, smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined. Add cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese and mozzarella and cook, stirring frequently, until cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy (Note: the cheeses will melt into a ball; continue to cook and stir until it melts and combines with the milk mixture).
Stir cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce mixture and cook until warm. Serve warm garnished with chopped parsley. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To keep the meal balanced and low in calories, pair this dish with light, fiber-forward sides. A crisp garden salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing or a side of Roasted Vegetables provides the perfect crunch to contrast the creamy pasta. If served as a side dish, it complements lean proteins beautifully, such as Crispy Southern Chicken or Air Fryer Chicken Tenders.
If Barilla Protein+ is unavailable, whole-wheat elbows or chickpea-based pasta (like Banza) are excellent high-fiber alternatives.
Skim milk keeps calories low, but unsweetened plain almond milk or soy milk can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
If you don't have Dijon, a pinch of dry mustard powder can provide the same necessary "acid" to cut through the richness of the cheese.
Explore our collection of nutritious twists on this classic favorite to find the perfect healthy mac and cheese recipe for your dietary needs. From low-sodium options to veggie-boosted sauces, these recipes prove that you can enjoy creamy pasta while supporting your wellness goals.