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Protein Lentil Mac and Cheese Recipe

Emily Carter
This protein lentil mac and cheese blends red lentils, pasta, and a velvety vegan sauce into a bold, muscle-friendly meal.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
18 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Red lentils dry: ½ cup (100 g)
  • Cashews soaked: ¼ cup (35 g)
  • Unsweetened soy milk: ½ cup 120 ml
  • Nutritional yeast: 2 tbsp
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Garlic minced: 3 cloves
  • Onion chopped: ½ medium (50 g)
  • Paprika: ½ tsp
  • Mustard powder: ¼ tsp
  • Turmeric: ¼ tsp
  • Salt: to taste
  • Black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Lemon juice: 1 tsp
  • Water: as required

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta in salted water until tender, drain, and keep aside.
  • Boil red lentils in water for ten minutes until soft, then drain completely.
  • Blend lentils, cashews, soy milk, yeast, lemon juice, turmeric, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
  • Pour blended mixture into the pan and cook gently for four minutes.
  • Add paprika and mustard powder, stirring constantly.
  • Adjust thickness using small amounts of water.
  • Fold cooked pasta into the sauce until evenly coated.
  • Simmer for two minutes, then switch off heat.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Protein: 26 g

Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving %DV – Top 5)

  • Iron: 34%
  • Folate: 30%
  • Magnesium: 22%
  • Phosphorus: 20%
  • Potassium: 16%

Additional Notes / Flavor Tips

  • Add roasted broccoli or spinach for extra bite.
  • Sprinkle chilli flakes if comfort needs attitude.
  • Rest briefly before serving for thicker, clingy sauce texture.