Healthy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Pasta (Panera Copycat!)

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if you love panera’s broccoli cheddar mac & cheese but want a lighter, protein-packed version you can make at home, this recipe is going to be your new go-to.

it has all the cozy, cheesy flavor of the original, but with some wholesome upgrades like greek yogurt and chickpea pasta for an extra protein punch.

taste + texture

this pasta tastes creamy, cheesy, and comforting—everything you want in broccoli cheddar.

the sauce is velvety smooth thanks to a mix of cheddar cheese and greek yogurt, which adds tang and richness without the heaviness of cream.

the broccoli adds a tender, slightly crisp bite, while the pasta soaks up every bit of sauce. it’s indulgent in taste but balanced in nutrition.

inspired by panera

panera’s broccoli cheddar mac & cheese is iconic, but it’s also sooo rich and carb-heavy.

this version takes the same cheesy broccoli flavors and recreates them with better-for-you swaps.

instead of heavy cream and butter, we’re using a lighter base of broth, milk, cheddar, and greek yogurt.

you get the same comfort food vibe with a much lighter, macro-friendly profile.

protein content

each serving of this pasta clocks in at nearly 29 grams of protein when made with chickpea pasta and greek yogurt.

the pasta itself is key—chickpea or lentil pasta can add around 20 grams of protein per serving.

combine that with the naturally protein-rich greek yogurt and cheddar cheese, and you have a meal that’s filling, satisfying, and balanced.

how to amp up the protein even more

• swap the pasta: use a chickpea or lentil pasta instead of regular to add tons of protein and fiber.
• add more greek yogurt: you can increase the yogurt to 1 cup for even more protein and creaminess.
• throw in protein boosters: stir in protein of choice, white beans, or even a scoop of unflavored protein powder (yes, it works!) to push the protein content higher.

substitutions

• cheese: sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix in part-skim mozzarella, gouda, or colby jack for a different flavor profile.
• milk: use any milk—dairy, oat, almond, or soy. soy milk adds a little extra protein.
• yogurt: plain 2% or nonfat greek yogurt works best, but skyr or cottage cheese blended smooth are great substitutes.
• broccoli: swap in cauliflower or a mix of both for variety.

storage

store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.

the sauce may thicken slightly, so just add a splash of milk when reheating to bring it back to life. it reheats well on the stove or in the microwave.

if you like Healthy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Pasta (Panera Copycat!), you’ll also love these other recipes of mine!

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Veggie-Packed Protein Snacking Biscuits

Healthy and Delicious Sweet Potato Nacho Salad

Spicy & Creamy Chickpea Buffalo Salad Stuffed Cucumbers (Plant-Based!)

Cheesy Everything But the Bagel Quinoa Flourless “Breadsticks”

Meal Prep Healthy Seed Bread (Plant-Based + Gluten-Free)High Protein Plant-Based Snacking Salad

Summer Girl Salsa

Delicious and Nutrient-Rich: Antioxidant-Packed Hummus

Plant-Based Protein Chickpea Salad Wraps (Dairy-Free & Delicious!)

are you going to make my Healthy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Pasta (Panera Copycat!)?!

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