Lightened Up High Protein Street Corn Mac and Cheese

If you're craving a creamy, comforting bowl of mac and cheese but want something a little more balanced, this Lightened Up High Protein Street Corn Mac & Cheese delivers the best of both worlds. Made with Fiber Gourmet Light Elbow Noodles, this recipe combines the rich, cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese with the bold flavors of Mexican street corn for a satisfying meal that's packed with protein and fiber.

The secret to this healthier mac and cheese recipe is a creamy sauce made from cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and reduced-fat cheese. The result is a velvety, protein-rich sauce that tastes indulgent while offering more nutritional benefits than traditional mac and cheese.

Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a high-protein comfort food recipe, or a creative way to use sweet summer corn, this street corn mac and cheese is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You'll Love This High-Protein Mac and Cheese

• Packed with protein from cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and cheese
• Made with Fiber Gourmet Light Elbow Noodles for fewer calories and more fiber than traditional pasta
• Features the smoky, tangy flavors of Mexican street corn
• Easy to customize with additional protein options
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

What Makes Fiber Gourmet Light Elbows Different?

Fiber Gourmet Light Elbow Noodles allow you to enjoy the comfort and satisfaction of pasta while fitting into your nutrition goals. They contain significantly fewer calories than traditional pasta and provide more fiber, making them a great option for anyone looking to enjoy larger, more satisfying portions.

In this recipe, the elbows perfectly capture the creamy cheese sauce while complementing the sweet charred corn and bold seasonings.

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

• 8 oz Fiber Gourmet Light Elbow Noodles
• 1½ cups corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or frozen)
• 1 tsp olive oil or butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup low-fat cottage cheese
• ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• ¾ cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup unsweetened milk of choice
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• Juice of ½ lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping

• Chopped cilantro
• Extra grilled corn
• Cotija cheese
• Tajín
• Lime wedges
• Sliced jalapeños

How to Make Street Corn Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the Fiber Gourmet Light Elbow Noodles according to package directions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Char the Corn

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the corn and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, milk, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add the cooked pasta and blended sauce to the skillet with the corn. Stir until everything is warmed through and coated in the creamy sauce.

If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

Top with chopped cilantro, cotija cheese, extra grilled corn, Tajín, sliced jalapeños, and fresh lime juice. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Optional Protein Boosts

Want to make this meal even more filling? Try adding:

• Grilled chicken
• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Black beans
• Ground turkey taco meat

Tips for the Best Street Corn Mac and Cheese

• Use grilled corn for the most authentic street corn flavor.
• Blend the sauce thoroughly for an ultra-smooth texture.
• Add pasta water gradually to create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
• Adjust the spice level by adding extra Tajín or jalapeños.
• For a vegetarian protein boost, stir in black beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk as needed.

Can I Use Frozen Corn?

Absolutely. Frozen corn works perfectly and makes this recipe easy to enjoy year-round.

Is This Recipe High in Protein?

Yes. Thanks to the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and cheese, each serving contains substantially more protein than traditional mac and cheese.

A Better Way to Enjoy Comfort Food

This Lightened Up High Protein Street Corn Mac & Cheese proves that comfort food can be both delicious and nutritious. Fiber Gourmet Light Elbow Noodles provide the perfect foundation for a creamy, protein-packed sauce and sweet charred corn, creating a satisfying meal you'll want to make again and again.

Try it for your next weeknight dinner and discover how easy it is to lighten up a classic favorite without sacrificing flavor.