Healthy Macaroni and Cheese

Enjoy a enjoy a healthy macaroni and cheese with this creamy, veggie-packed recipe. Made with high-protein noodles, hidden cauliflower, and a rich cheese sauce, it’s perfect for the whole family and picky eaters alike.

I'm not going to lie. I LOVE that good ole' packaged Macaroni & Cheese. But EKKK! Have you ever read the ingredients of that bad boy? Healthy Macaroni and Cheese dses not exist in that packaged box! The ingredient list is long and quite honestly, unreadable. Be careful if you google your favorite boxed Mac and Cheese, you may end up suspecting that you are consuming poison. What's more, is that many of the ingredients in the Mac & Cheese sold in the US are banned in other countries.

To be honest, I'm past the point of being angry about how our food is treated in the US, and just sad.

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Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Additional Add-Ins
• Storage:
• Substitutions:
• Equipment:
• FAQ:
• Healthy Meals and Healthy Macaroni and Cheese
• Healthy Macaroni and Cheese

We are not a perfect family of eaters, my son has had plenty of packaged foods in his short life, but we are striving forward to teach ourselves and him a balance when it comes to how we consume our foods.

God gave us beautiful foods and even describes them in Deuteronomy 32. These include grains and greens, glucose, fats and oils, meat and animal fat, butter from cattle, dairy, and fruit (starts in verse 13). These are wonderful foods, meant to be enjoyed! No elimination of food groups is necessary!

Packaged macaroni certainly has problems of its own, and I would encourage you to do your own research, but here in our Healing Home, we enjoy recipes like this occasionally. Especially for growing boys, this heavy dose of carbs and fats is wonderful for their growing bodies. The added veggies don't hurt either, or no one noticed!

Ingredients

This creamy, easy healthy mac comes together in minutes. Start with your favorite high-protein or chickpea pasta and stir in a creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, almond milk, and hidden cauliflower—great for extra protein and picky eaters.

This healthy macaroni and cheese are an exceedingly simple recipe so you are not slaving away at the end of the day trying to make dinner. Enjoy some Macaroni and Cheese tonight!

We start with high-protein noodles like Dreamfield Pastas. I've changed the images on this post from its original date back in 2020, so there are a few different noodles that I've used.

I encourage you to do your research on the reliability of Dreamfield as a healthy carb, but I have done my research and have decided that I can safely use Dreamfield Pasta on my Trim Healthy Mama journey. It is not an everyday or even everyday treat, but I utilize and enjoy it. And my kids certainly love it!

The heavy fats in this dish can also turn people off but let me emphasize again that this is not your packaged macaroni and cheese, which is certainly not healthy. This healthy macaroni and cheese recipe is an occasional meal that is complete with veggies and high-protein noodles.

The secret to making it just a step above other healthy macaroni and cheese recipes is the diced cauliflower. My husband didn't even know it was in there the first time he had it! A hidden veggie that throws in an added health punch for picky kids and eaters.

• Dreamfields Pasta
• Shredded cheese
• Almond milk
• Heavy whipping cream
• Butter
• Riced frozen cauliflower
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste

See the recipe card for quantities.

Note - If you are not worried about the Trim Healthy lifestyle, another version of pasta that I have used and really enjoy is this high-protein pasta from Barilla.

Instructions

For those following a THM lifestyle this would be considered a crossover meal, but don't forget, those are not off-plan!

Additional Add-Ins

• Parmesan cheese (sprinkle before baking)
• Whole wheat noodles or chickpea pasta for more whole grains
• A dash of buffalo sauce for heat
• Plain Greek yogurt for creaminess with less fat
• Broccoli florets or sweet potato for extra veggies
• White cheddar or sour cream for rich, cheesy flavors
• Avocado oil for a healthier fat option
• Butternut squash puree for a creamy, nutrient-packed addition

Storage:

Simply store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Substitutions:

• Swap the high-fiber/protein pasta for chickpea pasta, gluten-free pasta, or whole wheat noodles.
• Use olive oil instead of butter for a lower-fat option.
• Substitute plain Greek yogurt for a creamy, high-protein twist.

For those on the Trim Healthy Plan, another option would be to make the creamy sauce separately and pour it over konjac noodles.

Equipment:

• Pan (we prefer using cast iron in our family)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

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FAQ:

Can I bake this recipe?

Yes! Place in a baking dish, sprinkle with parmesan, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Can I make this a low-calorie mac?

Use skim milk, less butter, and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.

Healthy Meals and Healthy Macaroni and Cheese

Healthy meals don't have to be hard; this is just one of my many healthy skillet meals that are quick to throw together, but healthy for the entire family. Would you like some ideas for healthy meals and other healthy skillet recipes? My FREE Cookbook is packed with healthy carb and healthy fat recipes that can be yours today!

This healthier version of mac combines simple ingredients with creamy cheese sauce and extra protein from high-protein pasta. It’s an easy, healthy mac option for the whole family—picky eaters included!

Whether you use whole wheat noodles or chickpea pasta, it’s a great option for adding whole grains while keeping blood sugar stable.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat for an easy side dish later. Enjoy this ultimate comfort food and don’t forget to check out more of my favorite recipes below!

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