Lighter Protein Mac & Cheese
Estimated $2.96 recipe · $1.48 per serving (US / USD)
Creamy mac and cheese boosted with extra protein and a hidden veg sauce.
The recipe
Lighter Protein Mac & Cheese
Creamy mac and cheese boosted with extra protein and a hidden veg sauce.
Ingredients
- 160g wholewheat macaroni
- 1 butternut squash, cubed (200g)
- 120g grated cheese
- 150g cottage cheese
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tsp mustard
- 200ml milk
Estimated recipe cost
$2.96 for 2 servings · $1.48 per serving
US grocery planning estimate in USD. Includes the amounts used from the listed ingredients, including pantry items. Prices and portion weights vary.
Ingredient-by-ingredient breakdown
| Ingredient & price basis | Cost used |
|---|---|
| 160g wholewheat macaroniPlanning assumption · $1.00 / 454 g · Uses 160g | $0.35 |
| 1 butternut squash, cubed (200g)Planning assumption · $1.50 / 454 g · Uses weight stated in recipe | $0.66 |
| 120g grated cheesePlanning assumption · $2.00 / 227 g · Uses 120g | $1.06 |
| 150g cottage cheeseRetail benchmark · $2.87 / 680 g · Retail reference · Uses 150g | $0.63 |
| 1 garlic cloveRetail benchmark · $0.72 / 30 g · Retail reference · Assumes 3 g per item/portion | $0.07 |
| 1 tsp mustardPlanning assumption · $3.00 / 300 g · 1 tsp ≈ 5g | $0.05 |
| 200ml milkRetail benchmark · $2.68 / 3785 ml · Retail reference · Uses 200ml | $0.14 |
| Estimated total | $2.96 |
Retail references are representative products, not quotes for every variety. Other prices are editorial planning assumptions. Checked 9 October 2026; these are not live prices.
Price bases and quantity assumptions refer to the original recipe. Unspecified quantities use the assumptions shown above. Listed optional ingredients are included. Unlisted sides, extra seasoning, tax, energy and delivery are excluded. Buying full packages will cost more.
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni al dente.
- Steam or boil the squash until soft, then blend with milk, garlic, mustard and cottage cheese.
- Stir the sauce and most of the cheese through the pasta.
- Top with the rest of the cheese and grill 4 min until golden.
Recipe notes
Blended cottage cheese and squash add protein and creaminess for fewer calories.
Estimated nutrition per serving
560 kcal · 33g protein. Values are estimates and vary with brands, substitutions and portions.
Recipe images may be AI-generated illustrations. Nutrition figures are estimates.