This is a comforting twist on a familiar favorite, blending tender pasta with a smooth, creamy cheese sauce enriched with silken tofu. The tofu adds protein while keeping the sauce velvety and rich, making this a flexible, nourishing option for a small meal, side dish, or satisfying snack.
How This Dish Comes Together
Tender elbow macaroni or small shells are cooked until soft, creating the perfect base for the creamy sauce. Silken tofu and milk are blended until completely smooth, then gently warmed with Dijon mustard before freshly shredded cheddar and Parmesan are folded in. A touch of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika adds warmth and depth without overpowering the familiar cheesy flavor. The pasta is tossed into the sauce with a little reserved pasta water until everything is beautifully coated and creamy. Enjoy it straight from the pot for a soft, comforting texture, or finish it under the broiler with a light sprinkle of Parmesan and toasted panko for a golden topping.
Why This Dish Is Supportive for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Familiar, comforting foods can make mealtimes more inviting when appetite, taste preferences, or energy levels change. This mac and cheese combines protein from silken tofu, milk, and cheese to help support muscle maintenance and overall nutritional needs. Its smooth, moist sauce and tender pasta make it easy to adapt for those experiencing mouth tenderness or difficulty chewing, while smaller portions offer flexibility for people who feel full quickly. The recipe can also be made more calorie-dense with full-fat milk and additional cheese, which may be helpful for those working to maintain or regain weight. For a gentler option, cook the pasta until very tender and skip the toasted topping.
Creamy Mac & Cheese with Silken Tofu
Combines protein from tofu, milk, and cheese with comforting carbohydrates from tender pasta, creating a satisfying and nourishing dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or small shells
- 8 oz silken tofu
- 1⁄2 cup milk, lactose-free if needed
- 1 1⁄2 cup (6 oz) sharp cheddar, freshly shredded, lactose-free if needed
- 1⁄4 cup finely grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp onion powder
- 1⁄4 tsp smoked paprika
- salt & pepper
- 1⁄2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
Directions
- Get ready. Measure the ingredients, shred the cheddar, and lightly coat a broiler-safe baking dish with olive oil spray.
- Cook the pasta. Cook in salted water according to package directions, or until tender if you prefer a softer texture. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Blend the sauce base. Blend the silken tofu and milk until completely smooth.
- Warm gently. Return the empty pot to low heat. Add the tofu mixture and Dijon mustard, stirring until warmed through.
- Add the cheese. Remove the pot from direct heat. Gradually stir in the cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Bring it together. Fold in the pasta, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. Season to taste.
- Finish and serve. Serve creamy from the pot, or transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with panko and Parmesan, lightly spray with olive oil, and broil briefly until golden. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Tips
Make It Work for You
- For lactose sensitivity: Use lactose-free milk and cheese as needed. This recipe still contains dairy.
- For a lower-fiber option: Choose regular refined pasta rather than whole-wheat or high-fiber pasta, following your care team’s guidance.
- For a milder flavor: Reduce or omit the mustard, pepper, and seasonings according to your tolerance.
- If you take pancreatic enzymes: Take them with this meal as prescribed. Ask your care team about ongoing bloating, greasy stools, or weight loss.
Everyone’s nutritional needs and food tolerance are different. Your oncology dietitian can help you adapt this recipe to your symptoms, treatment, and nutrition goals.
Allergens: Contains soy, milk, and wheat. Check individual ingredient labels.
