Popcorn Protein Mac N Cheese

So as I said before I have some posts in que that I made awhile ago that I have for when things get busy or for a rainy day. Well this isn’t a rainy day, not even a day I usually post, but when you find out it’s National Popcorn Day and your family loves Popcorn I had to post it! I was going to post it yesterday but I had my heart and mind set on posting my Beautiful Beet Soup.

So I wrote this post when things were getting crazy over here with all the kids activities! It was soccer season, both girls are playing and the oldest is playing traveling league and the city league, and we have gymnastics as well as everything else. Quick healthy dinners are in full swing and both girls are needing some serious fuel! Trying to make something other than our usual quick go to meals. I was going to whip up some Popcorn Mac N Cheese Casserole for them but they would much rather have Annie’s Mac N Cheese, which I make with greek yogurt if I make it for them as they really need the protein and they both like it that way versus with milk (or milk and butter). They could eat the whole box though and still be hungry! Neither of the girls are big fans of meat so plain greek yogurt (well now one of them doesn’t even like greek yogurt, but still likes this mac n cheese) is a way they get their protein, well other than peanut butter, haha! We did have to remove it for awhile but seem to be ok with it again just eating in moderation like all things. They both also like Noodles & Company Mac N Cheese, homemade mac n cheese, and the Fettuccine Alfredo I make from scratch. Instead of using heavy cream  to make this mac n cheese though you can make it using greek yogurt! I’m not going to lie it isn’t as rich as making it with heavy cream and butter but it is thick, creamy, much better for you, and tastes good! You can make it with just parmesan, or to make it more like traditional mac n cheese I use mostly cheddar and still add a little parmesan. You can use shredded parmesan or the powdered parmesan. To add more flavor, a little crunch, and fun I top it with Quinn Parmesan & Rosemary Popcorn! They would much rather have this than traditional homemade mac n cheese with bread crumbs. No complaints here though because this is healthier! So as I have said before life is all about balance and this is a great weeknight meal especially on nights when the kids have activities and need the extra calories, carbs, and protein. It’s still quick and easy like boxed mac n cheese but keeps them full and fueled. Don’t worry I’m not a mean mom/wife I still make my “famous” fettuccine alfredo when we have a nice night in and can enjoy it with a glass of wine, us not the kids.

Looking for a dairy free vegan version? Try my Popcorn Mac N Cheese Casserole!

Popcorn Protein Mac N Cheese
Makes 4 servings
3/4c finely shredded cheddar cheese
1/4c grated parmesan, or finely shredded
1/2 tsp granulated garlic
1 tsp sea salt
6oz plain non fat greek yogurt (used Stonyfield Organic Greek Plain Yogurt)
8oz pasta noodles (use one of my favs, Garofalo gluten-free corn, rice, and quinoa pasta)
2c popped popcorn of choice (we used Quinn Parmesan & Rosemary microwave popcorn this time)

Bring a pot of water to a boil. When the water is boiling add the noodles, turn heat to medium, and cook per your noodles package instructions. Once the noodles are cooked, drain, and immediately return to the pot. Stir in cheddar and parmesan cheese, once they are melted stir in yogurt, garlic, and salt. Divide mac n cheese between bowls and top with popcorn. Enjoy!
Celebrate #NationalPopcornDay with Popcorn Protein Mac N Cheese! @QuinnPopcorn @Stonyfield #SweatPink #fitfam Click To Tweet