Healthy eating doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite meals ... it just means you have to get creative with how you make them! That includes all of your favorite comfort dishes.
Now, when it comes to comfort foods, mac n cheese is at the top of the list. That's why I decided to make some healthy mac n cheese recipes for all to enjoy and stay on track!
These three healthy mac n cheese recipes are macro-friendly, packed with flavor, and easy to prep. You'll be able to easily customize them to fit your lifestyle, too!
Each creamy, cozy bite can still fit into your goals, with the right ingredients and a little know-how. Let's get ready to upgrade your comfort food game without wrecking your progress.
Classic Mac N Cheese
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Ingredients:
7 Oz Barilla Protein Plus Elbows
1 Cup Fat-Free Greek Yogurt
1 Cup Low-Fat Cottage Cheese
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
1 1/2 Cup Fat-Free Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/4 Cup Low-Fat Milk
Salt and Pepper To Taste
Directions:
For this recipe, you'll need:
• Pot
• Strainer
• Spoon
• Blender or Food Processor
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, toss in the pasta and cook for 5 minutes. Once finished, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Blend cottage cheese in a blender or food processor. In the pot used to cook the pasta, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, parmesan, and milk. Place on low to medium heat to combine.
3. Once the cheeses start to combine, add the pasta and stir. Let the dish cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add in shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Be careful not to overheat the cheese sauce.
4. Remove the mac n cheese from the dish and serve with any topping you like!
Macros Per Serving:
Calories: 260
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 33g
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Click the Recipe link below to save directly to the 1st Phorm App:
Recipe In The 1st Phorm App
Buffalo Chicken Mac N Cheese
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ingredients:
8 Oz Barilla Protein Plus Elbows
1 Lb 98% Lean Ground Chicken
1 Medium Yellow Onion, Diced
1 Tbsp Garlic, Minced
1 Tbsp Ranch Seasoning
1/3 Cup Buffalo Sauce
1 Cup Fat-Free Greek Yogurt
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
3/4 Cup Fat-Free Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Directions:
For this recipe, you'll need:
• Pot
• Strainer
• Spoon
• Skillet
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, toss in the pasta and cook for 5 minutes. Once finished, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Add the ground chicken, onion, and garlic to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until no pink remains, about 8 minutes. Add the ranch seasoning and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the buffalo sauce to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken. While the sauce thickens, mix the Greek yogurt and parmesan cheese in a separate bowl.
4. Reduce the heat on the skillet to low, and mix in the Greek yogurt and parmesan cheese. Stir the contents of the skillet together, then mix in the cooked pasta.
5. Top the pasta mixture with the shredded cheddar cheese and bring the heat to high. Let the dish cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to fully melt the cheese.
6. Remove the pasta from the skillet and serve it with any optional toppings you like! This makes 6 servings, so feel free to store some of the pasta in the fridge to reheat and enjoy later as well.
Macros Per Serving:
Calories: 308
Protein: 34g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 4g
Click the Recipe link below to save directly to the 1st Phorm App:
Recipe In The 1st Phorm App
BBQ Pork Mac N Cheese
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 6 Hours 15 Minutes
Ingredients:
8 Oz Barilla Protein Plus Elbows
1 1/2 Lb Pork Tenderloin
1 Tsp Smoked Paprika
1 Tsp Garlic Powder
6 Tbsp Low Sugar BBQ Sauce
1 Cup Fat-Free Greek Yogurt
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
3/4 Cup Fat-Free Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/4 Cup Low-Fat Milk
Salt and Pepper To Taste
Directions:
For this recipe, you'll need:
• Pot
• Strainer
• Spoon
• Skillet
• Crockpot
• Aluminum Foil
• Forks
1. Place the pork tenderloin on aluminum foil and set it on the bottom of the crockpot. Pour barbecue sauce on top. Wrap the foil around the pork, but leave the top of the aluminum foil open, and cook on medium heat for 4-6 hours.
2. When there are about 20-30 minutes left for the pork, start cooking the mac n cheese. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, toss in the pasta and cook for 5 minutes. Once finished, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. While pasta is cooking, combine milk, Greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a pot and place on medium-low heat.
4. Heat for about 5-10 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
5. Add in pasta, stirring to coat, and then add the shredded cheese. Once the cheese melts, take it off the heat. Be careful not to overcook!
6. Lastly, once the pork tenderloin is done, shred it with two forks and then add it on top of the mac n cheese.
Macros Per Serving:
Calories: 303
Protein: 37g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 3g
Fiber: 4g
Click the Recipe link below to save directly to the 1st Phorm App:
Recipe In The 1st Phorm App
LOOKING FOR MORE HEALTHY RECIPES?
For more healthy recipes, you can download our FREE Protein Powder Recipe Book here. You'll get over 50 protein-packed recipes to fuel your health and fitness goals!
