Description
A delightful fusion of fall flavors and comfort food, this High-Protein Pumpkin Mac and Cheese satisfies cravings while packing in nutrients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup macaroni
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup lean protein (such as cooked chicken or turkey)
- 1 cup cheese (such as cheddar)
- 1/2 cup milk or dairy alternative
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s rolling, add a generous pinch of salt and your macaroni. Cook according to package instructions.
- Make the sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Add in the cheese: Slowly sprinkle in the cheese, allowing it to melt completely.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked macaroni to the saucepan with pumpkin cheese sauce and toss until coated.
- Incorporate the protein: Fold in the cooked chicken or turkey until evenly distributed.
- Taste and adjust: Give your dish a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: pumpkin mac and cheese, high-protein recipe, comfort food, fall flavors