Protein Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Name: Protein Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, (plus more as needed); 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée; 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese; 1 cup 2% or whole milk; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, (plus more to taste); 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, (depending on spiciness preference); Freshly ground black pepper; 4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, (grated (about 1 cup)); 4 ounces Gruyere cheese, (grated (about 1 cup)); 16 ounces short protein pasta; Toasted breadcrumbs, (for garnish (optional))

all the fall feels in the form of a protein-packed, family-friendly dish

a bowl of protein pumpkin macaroni and cheese

I don’t care how old you are—everyone loves mac and cheese. The boxed stuff is nostalgic but it doesn’t exactly help you hit your macros. I created this protein-packed version made with protein pasta (like Banza) and cottage cheese to help you meet your goals without sacrificing any flavor. And the best part is that your little ones will love it too. (My 1-year-old daughter Daisy is proof of that). …