Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
healthy mac and cheese - featured image

One Pot Healthy Mac And Cheese: Easy Meal Prep

  • Author: maria_scott
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, high-protein mac and cheese made in a single pot using whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese. This meal prep-friendly dish is packed with hidden veggies and requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) whole wheat elbow pasta
  • Low-sodium vegetable broth (enough to mostly submerge pasta)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • Splash of whole milk or almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Cauliflower florets or fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Prep vegetables by cutting cauliflower into small florets or washing spinach if using.
  2. In a large pot, combine dry pasta, vegetable broth, butter, and half of the milk. Ensure pasta is mostly submerged.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
  4. While pasta cooks, blend Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, half of the cheddar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  5. Check pasta doneness; if liquid remains, uncover and cook 2-3 more minutes. If dry, add a splash of milk.
  6. Remove pot from heat. Stir in the blended sauce mixture, remaining cheddar cheese, and spinach (if using) until melted and combined.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken.
  8. Divide into storage containers for meal prep, cooling completely before sealing.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the hot sauce and during reheating. Blend the cottage cheese thoroughly to ensure a smooth sauce. Adjust consistency with milk as needed. For meal prep, store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 375
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 400
  • Fat: 11
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 47
  • Fiber: 5.5
  • Protein: 22

Keywords: healthy mac and cheese, one pot meal, meal prep, high protein, gluten-free option, vegetarian, comfort food, easy dinner

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://foodestic.com/one-pot-healthy-mac-and-cheese-easy-meal-prep/