Looking for a cozy, comforting mac & cheese that won’t wreck your blood sugar and actually helps you hit your protein goals? This gluten-free, high-protein mac & cheese is made with chickpea pasta, a creamy high-protein cheese sauce, and better-for-you ingredients—without sacrificing flavor.
💪 Why Chickpea Pasta?
Traditional mac and cheese is usually made with wheat pasta, which is low in protein and fiber and often leaves you feeling bloated and sluggish an hour later. Chickpea pasta (like the kind from Banza) flips the script:
| Traditional Mac & Cheese | This Version (per serving) | |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per serving | ~7g | ~24g |
| Fiber per serving | ~2g | ~7g |
| Gluten-Free | ❌ | ✅ |
| Blood Sugar Spike | 🚀 | 💪 Balanced |
Chickpeas are packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and nutrients. They digest more slowly, keeping you full longer—and when paired with a clean, creamy sauce like this one, it’s comfort food that works with your goals.
🧀 Ingredients
- 1 box Banza elbow pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp tapioca flour (for a gluten-free roux)
- 2 cups Fairlife whole milk (high-protein, low-carb)
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (1 bag) Tillamook triple cheddar blend
- Salt, pepper, paprika (to taste)
- Optional: Cooked chicken breast for extra protein!
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. While boiling, start your cheese sauce.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in tapioca flour to form a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly.
- Slowly pour in the Fairlife milk, whisking as you go. Let it simmer 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cheese one handful at a time, stirring after each addition until fully melted and incorporated.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (or whatever your go-to spices are).
- Drain and rinse your chickpea pasta — this step is key! Rinsing helps reduce potential digestive discomfort.
- Combine the pasta with your cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- Add cooked chicken if desired for extra protein and staying power.
📈 Macros (Per Serving, Makes 4 Servings)
- Calories: ~410
- Protein: ~24g
- Fat: ~19g
- Carbs: ~32g
- Fiber: ~7g
Macros may vary slightly depending on the brands used and whether you add chicken.
💡 Tips & Notes
- Fairlife milk adds more protein than regular milk with fewer carbs—plus it’s lactose-free!
- If you want a crispier top, pour into a baking dish, top with more cheese or gluten-free breadcrumbs, and broil for 2–3 minutes.
- Add sautéed spinach, peas, or broccoli for bonus nutrients.
Health and Home by Haven 
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