If you’ve been craving an amazing mac n cheese recipe but you’re looking for a high protein option this is one you’re going to want to pin, save, share, and devour!
What’s so great about this recipe?
The hidden gem in this recipe is the Banza chickpea pasta. It’s very high in fiber and high in protein. Keep in mind that when you make this you will be getting TONS of fiber. How amazing would it be to enjoy this dish in the next twenty-five minutes knowing it’s benefiting your body and curving the craving?
Plus, there may or may not be a bacon option too and I have to say, this option brightens my day! Perfect for a family meal when you want everyone at the table to be happy.
For years mac n cheese has been a favorite quick and easy meal. It’s had to evolve over the years to make it digestible for the many ways people need to be able to accommodate their food concerns or intolerances. While I try to minimize unnecessary carbs (that aren’t fibrous or in the form of fresh fruit and veggies) one thing I’ve learned is that if you want something, you’ll find a way to make it work!
BAM! Enter: Banza pasta!
I discovered chickpea pasta! And let me tell you, all I could think about from that moment was mac n cheese. I’ve never been much of a pasta eater, but mac n cheese definitely is the exception. This pasta is kind of a game changer. There are three different types of cheeses in this recipe and noodles that are designed to be low-net-carb.
What do I need to make this?
Ingredients:
Chickpea noodles
Cheddar cheese
Monterey jack cheese
Mozzarella cheese
2 eggs
*I think I added bacon to this
Ground pork rinds *for crumb-topping, or regular bread crumbs if ya nasty.
The hero of this recipe is the Banza chickpea noodles. They’re like your low-carb best friend when you’re wanting comfort food. It’s prepared just like traditional noodles, just follow the instructions on the package and you’ll be fine!
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350º, this is getting baked and it’s going to be so tasty!
Bring a large pot of water to boil and salt generously.
Cook macaroni, al dente. Drain well.
Mix pasta with butter and cheeses and then add beaten eggs and milk by pouring it over the dish.
Bake until bubbly and lightly browned on top as you see in the picture here.
Recipe
Lower Carb Southern Baked Mac n Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb. banza macaroni
- 1 stick butter melted (plus more butter for baking dish)
- 4 c. extra-sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 2 c. Colby jack-cheddar blend
- 3 large eggs
- 2 c. whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° and butter a large, deep baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and then salt generously.
- Cook macaroni just shy of package directions, al dente. Drain well and place in large bowl.
- Add butter and salt to taste, stirring until butter is melted.
- Add shredded cheeses and stir.
- Pour pasta cheese into baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and milk until frothy.
- Pour evenly over pasta.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 mins
- Remove Aluminim Foil, top with breading, pork rinds or additional cheese if you choose
- Bake for another 15-20 minutes until top is browned and melted.
- Let rest for 10 minutes or so before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Did you try this recipe? Please be sure to rate it and leave me a message in the comments on what you thought! Also, don’t forget to follow omnomdelicious on Instagram, Pineterest, and Facebook and tag me so I can see what you create!
Pairing Suggestions:
You could enjoy this one on your own but if you have company coming over and you want something for the kids and something for the adults, try the Watermelon Feta Salad and you won’t be disappointed.
Meet Jennifer
Welcome to my kitchen! Nothing to see here, just me fumbling around trying to make delicious meals while incorporating “all the things” to improve my health. Join me!