Mac & Cheese - PCOS-Friendly Recipe
This Mac & Cheese is a PCOS-friendly recipe with 290 calories, 26.94g protein, and 31.43g carbs per serving. Ready in 43 minutes. High in fiber (0.8g), which supports insulin sensitivity.
Nutrition per Serving
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 oz light butter (1/2 stick)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups elbow shaped macaroni
- 20 oz fat free cheddar cheese, grated (2 1/2 cups)
- 2 cups skim milk
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and salt. Gradually whisk in milk.
- Simmer over low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 4 to 6 minutes. Add half the cheese and stir until melted.
- Pour the cooked elbow macaroni into an 8x8" glass baking dish. Pour sauce over noodles, then mix. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake until heated through and the cheese on top has melted, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Serve warm or chilled.
- Note: based on recipe from "OK, So Now You're a Vegetarian" by Lauren Butts.
How This Recipe Supports PCOS Management
PCOS Diet Principles in This Recipe
The PCOS diet focuses on three core principles: reducing inflammation, managing insulin resistance, and supporting hormonal balance. Every recipe in our collection is evaluated against these principles. As part of a balanced PCOS meal plan, we recommend pairing recipes like this with a variety of nutrient-dense foods throughout the week to ensure you are meeting all your micronutrient needs.
Meal Prep Tip: This Mac & Cheese can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Meal prepping is one of the most effective strategies for sticking to a PCOS-friendly diet, as it removes the temptation to reach for processed convenience foods when time is short.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this Mac & Cheese recipe is designed to be PCOS-friendly. At 290 calories per serving with 26.94g of protein, it supports balanced blood sugar and hormonal health. It also provides 0.8g of fiber, which helps with insulin sensitivity.
This recipe takes about 43 minutes total. Prep time is 12 minutes and cook time is 31 minutes. It makes 6 servings, so you can meal prep for multiple days.
Per serving: 290 calories, 26.94g protein (37%), 31.43g carbs, 6.49g fat. Plus 0.8g fiber. PCOS meal plans typically aim for 30% protein, 35% fat, 35% carbs to support insulin sensitivity.
Yes, this recipe works well as a PCOS-friendly Side Dish. At 290 calories, it fits within typical PCOS meal plan targets for Side Dish. Pair it with other PCOS-friendly foods throughout the day for balanced nutrition.
This recipe can be part of a structured PCOS meal plan. It makes 6 servings, making it great for meal prep. For a complete weekly plan tailored to your PCOS type, take our free 60-second quiz at pcosmealplanner.com/pcos-quiz to get a personalized 7-day meal plan.
Cook Another PCOS-Friendly Side Dish
Each recipe you add to your rotation makes PCOS management easier. Variety keeps you from getting bored and quitting.
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