Hemp Heart Mac & Cheese

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked elbow pasta (or any pasta of choice)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup hemp hearts
• 1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp almond flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Prepare the cheese sauce

In a saucepan over low heat, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of almond flour and stir well.

2. Add the hemp hearts and walnuts

Stir in the hemp hearts and chopped walnuts for added texture and nutrition. Continue cooking for an additional minute until everything is well combined.

3. Combine with pasta

Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta, stirring gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

4. Serve

Serve the mac & cheese hot, topped with a sprinkle of extra hemp hearts or walnuts, if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 400 | Protein: 17g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 24g

FAQ

Q: Can I make this mac & cheese dairy-free?

A: Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt with plant-based alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free. Use a vegan cheese and dairy-free yogurt for a similar creamy texture.

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?

A: Absolutely! Any pasta of your choice will work for this recipe, whether it’s gluten-free, whole grain, or legume-based. Just cook it according to the package instructions.

Q: Can I bake this mac & cheese?

A: Yes, after combining the pasta and cheese sauce, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top it with extra cheese and nuts, and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for a baked version with a crispy top.

Q: How can I make this dish even creamier?

A: If you want an extra creamy mac & cheese, increase the amount of Greek yogurt and cheese. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to the sauce for a silkier texture.

Pairing Ideas

Serve this mac & cheese with a light salad topped with walnuts and hemp hearts for added crunch. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a more balanced meal.

Why It Works

The Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese combine to create a creamy, flavorful sauce, while the hemp hearts and walnuts add a crunchy texture and boost the nutrition with healthy fats and protein.