Give Boxed Mac And Cheese A Fiber And Protein Boost — Just Add One Canned Ingredient

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Boxed mac and cheese is a simple, comforting classic that's both quick and affordable, but on its own, it's not the most satisfying meal. Fortunately, there is an easy and quick way to make it more filling and nourishing without affecting its cheesy flavor. All you have to do is crack open a can of chickpeas. Also known as garbanzo beans, they provide a good amount of plant-based protein and fiber.

These little legumes have a mild flavor that pairs well with boxed mac's cheese sauce. They also allow you to keep your regular pasta instead of switching to a high-protein, chickpea-based alternative, which has a substantially different flavor and texture. Adding one 100-gram serving of drained and rinsed canned chickpeas also provides roughly 6 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein. Pairing them with a serving of Kraft Original Mac and Cheese Dinner brings the total to approximately 7 grams of fiber and 16 grams of protein, making for a considerably more sustaining meal.

Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, and stir them into your favorite boxed mac and cheese brand after you drain the pasta and before you add the butter and milk called for in the package's instructions. Keep the heat on low to medium and allow the chickpeas to warm through with the other ingredients.

If you're not a fan of the texture of chickpeas, there's an easy way to get rid of it while still getting the boosted protein and fiber in your mac and cheese. Make sure you drain and rinse your beans first. Then, blend the beans with the milk and cheese, measured according to the package's instructions, using an immersion blender or stand blender. Since chickpeas will make the sauce a little thicker, you may need to add some more milk to get the right consistency.

You don't have to stop at chickpeas to make a more nutritious and satisfying meal. Steamed broccoli florets are one secret ingredient that can upgrade your boxed mac — just stir them into the finished dish for an instant boost. You can also try spinach, which will naturally wilt and blend in well with the dish. Or fry up some mushrooms for an added umami flavor. Don't forget that you can blend in these ingredients as well to "hide" the texture in your cheese sauce.