High Protein Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Elevate your comfort food game with this High Protein Pasta with Cheese Sauce, a deliciously creamy yet nutritionally boosted dish perfect for satisfying your cravings while staying fit. This recipe combines the irresistible decadence of cheddar and Parmesan cheese with high-protein pasta and a scoop of unflavored protein powder, providing a powerhouse meal rich in flavor and essential nutrients. The velvety cheese sauce, made with a classic roux and seasoned with a hint of nutmeg, clings to the al dente pasta for a luscious bite in every forkful. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this wholesome dish is ideal for busy weeknights or post-workout refueling. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, this high-protein pasta is a family-friendly favorite that proves indulgence and nutrition can go hand in hand!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz high-protein pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 scoop protein powder (unflavored)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 pinch nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the high-protein pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbly, creating a roux.
Slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently, until it begins to thicken slightly.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Mix in the unflavored protein powder, salt, ground black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until the sauce is well combined and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
Divide the pasta among serving plates or bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2943 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 131.0 g | 168% | |
| Saturated Fat | 78.8 g | 394% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 393 mg | 131% | |
| Sodium | 3592 mg | 156% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 250.8 g | 91% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.9 g | 100% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.8 g | ||
| Protein | 199.7 g | 399% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2898 mg | 223% | |
| Iron | 15.1 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 1576 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
