Wait — isn’t the name It’s That Simple?
Yep. This article was originally published under our former brand, It’s Skinny Pasta, and has been updated for accuracy.

If you’ve tried the delicious It's Velvety CheddarMac, you’re likely already a big fan. It’s the creamiest, cheesiest keto mac and cheese on the market. It’s fast, it’s conveniently boxed, and in just minutes, you can have a delicious bowl of comfort food.

But sometimes, you want to take your Mac to another level. Make it a satisfying meal with these delicious keto mac and cheese mix-ins and additions!

About It's Velvety Cheddar

At It's That Simple (formerly It's Skinny), we wanted to make a Mac and cheese that was crave-worthy and decadent (while still keeping it guilt-free). We perfected our formula with delicious It’s That Simple's Fettutini™ noodles and a sauce that can’t be beat!

One of the "secrets" to making delicious low-carb Mac and cheese is to not skimp on the satisfaction factor. Make this Velvety Cheddar Mac with REAL heavy cream and butter. It makes a huge difference, and you can have a generous helping with only 5 net carbs!

It's Velvety Cheddar is keto-friendly and won't derail your diet progress. You can "indulge" and enjoy this Mac any time. Like the childhood favorite, this blue box is prepared in minutes, making it a perfect solution for lunch, dinner, or even a post-workout snack.

At It's That Simple (formerly It's Skinny), we've upgraded all your pasta favorites:

• Spaghetti
• Angel Hair
• Fettuccine
• Couscous
• Orzo
• Pappardelle

Our shirataki noodles have zero net carbs and only 9 calories per serving. All are ready in just a few minutes, too. Rip open the pack, drain, rinse, and add to your other ingredients at the end of cooking. When the pasta heats through in about 3 minutes, it’s ready to go!

With It's That Simple (formerly It's Skinny), there's no waiting for that large pot of salted water to boil. There's no need to haul out the rice cooker and try to hit that perfect balance. It’s That Simple products come out perfectly every time without the effort of traditional pasta.

It's That Simple is the perfect way to remake all your keto recipes. With 0 g net carbs and only 9 calories, It's That Simple noodles are the best way to stick to your low carb diet. Find your favorite delicious recipe by exploring our database of recipe ideas.

Order up some It's Velvety Cheddar or any of our Pasta favorites. Can't decide? We suggest a variety pack to try our most popular shapes and find your favorite. With It's That Simple (formerly It's Skinny), you've opened a world of pastabilities!

50 Amazing Keto Mac and Cheese Add-Ins

Once you’ve got It's Velvety Cheddar Mac on your menu rotation, there are TONS of ways to take it to gourmet status. If you’re looking for keto mac and cheese recipes, here are 50 ideas to make every bite of noodles and creamy cheese sauce even more amazing.

These recipes are the best option for busy weeknights when you don't have time to dream up new low-carb meals. Adding simple ingredients to complement the cheesy sauce is a great way to elevate your low carb side dish to complete meal status.

Keto-Friendly Protein Add-Ins for Mac and Cheese

• Bacon Bits: Add a smoky, savory crunch with real crumbled bacon. Make a little extra with your breakfast, or look for pre-packaged bacon bits for a convenient mac and cheese addition. It doesn't get much better than keto mac and cheese with bacon.
• Diced Ham: Keto mac and cheese with ham is a perfect choice. Salty, savory, meaty—ham brings a satisfying texture to your Mac and cheese along with a protein boost.
• Chicken: Looking for a classic combo? Try keto mac and cheese with chicken. Whether you choose diced or shredded cooked chicken, it’s a great way to use up leftovers and round out a bowl of It's Velvety Cheddar.
• Chorizo: Chorizo is a spicy Spanish sausage that pairs perfectly with Mac and Cheese. If you love spices, don’t miss this pork sausage option. It’s great for a little kick!
• Ground Beef: Cooked, seasoned ground beef is a no-brainer add-in for Mac and cheese. Ground beef is keto-friendly and affordable. It turns It's Velvety Cheddar into a hearty meal that really sticks with you.
• Pulled Pork: Keto pulled pork mac and cheese is the ULTIMATE. Smoky, savory pulled pork is a Southern-style add-in to your It's Velvety Cheddar Mac. It's an ideal way to use leftovers and stretch your grocery budget.
• Shrimp: Most keto dieters love shrimp. Why? It’s a super-easy protein that you can add to any dish. It's Velvety Cheddar is no exception—it goes great with sauteed shrimp for a yummy seaside vibe.
• Tuna: Tuna is hands down one of the most classic mac and cheese add-ins (keto or otherwise). It's a convenient, fast way to pack in some protein and make your Mac even more delicious.
• Salmon: Get those Omega-3s with flaked, cooked salmon. It's Velvety Cheddar Mac is delicious with tender chunks of salmon mixed in. Use up leftover salmon for a healthy, keto-friendly dish.
• Lobster: Lobster mac? YES PLEASE! Lobster meat is heavenly in mac and cheese. Although it may seem like a high-brow/low-brow combo (boxed Mac and lobster), it’s a delicious add-in that feels luxurious, indulgent, and on point.

Vegetable Add-Ins for It's Velvety Cheddar Keto Mac

• Broccoli: Three cheers for everyone’s favorite keto-friendly vegetable. Broccoli is the best, most versatile vegetable! Steamed or roasted, broccoli adds fiber and nutrients like vitamin C to your It's Velvety Cheddar Mac. Plus, broccoli and cheese are a winning pair.
• Cauliflower: Keto cauliflower mac recipes often omit the noodles altogether. While we love cauliflower, we say hands off our Fettutini™! Add roasted cauliflower as a complement to the dish rather than a substitution.
• Spinach: Add a handful of fresh or sautéed spinach for additional fiber, vitamins, and a pop of color. Spinach is a great, keto-friendly vegetable that feels right at home in a bowl of It's Velvety Cheddar.
• Zucchini: While zucchini noodles (aka zoodles) might water down your mac, sauteed zucchini is a great, keto-friendly addition. Dice the zucchini into small pieces and sauté or bake until crispy before adding it to your It's Velvety Cheddar.
• Bell Peppers: Peppers are a favorite vegetable for many reasons. They add sweetness, crunch, and a little vitamin C. Diced red or green bell peppers are a great addition to your It's Velvety Cheddar.
• Mushrooms: For a filling, umami-rich vegetarian add-in, try mushrooms. Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor and amazingly meaty texture to your It's Velvety Cheddar. It's a terrific pairing.
• Cherry Tomatoes: While too many tomatoes can raise the carb count in a dish, a few halved cherry tomatoes will still keep the carbs at keto-friendly levels while adding fresh, tangy acidity to your Mac.
• Kale: Kale is a superfood for a good reason! It contains tons of vitamins and nutrients and pairs perfectly with Mac and cheese. You could add sauteed baby kale to your creamy Mac OR try crumbling baked kale chips for a little texture and a crispy topping.
• Avocado: Avocado is a keto diet staple. Not only is avocado rich in healthy fats, but it adds tons of creaminess to any dish. Dice some avocado on top of your It's Velvety Cheddar and give it a few dashes of taco seasoning for a whole different experience.
• Olives: Speaking of healthy fats, we also love olives. That briny, savory flavor is perfect with It's Velvety Cheddar. Choose black or green—both will pair well with your bowl of mac and cheese.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you’re looking for a flavor-packed option, try sun-dried tomatoes. These little flavor bombs go a long way with a sweet, smoky taste that feels indulgent and gourmet.
• Jalapeños: Give your keto mac and cheese recipe a kick with some jalapenos. Dice a few and sauté them, or opt for the canned variety. No matter which you choose, it's the ideal spicy flavor to level up your mac.

Savory Additions for Keto Mac and Cheese

• Pesto: Leftover pesto? Don’t let that go to waste! Pesto is a delicious addition to your It's Velvety Cheddar Mac. Add a spoonful of basil pesto to your meal for herby richness that elevates each bite.
• Garlic: Garlic is so good for you, and it makes every bite taste better. Add some robust flavor to your It's Velvety Cheddar Mac with roasted or sauteed garlic. It will add complexity and depth to your keto mac.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions are excellent for a light, fresh onion flavor. Sprinkle a handful atop your bowl of keto mac and cheese and enjoy the mild but zippy onion flavor.
• Pepperoni Slices: Make your mac pizza-style with some sliced pepperoni. This keto friendly mac and cheese add-in gives each bite a zesty, meaty flavor. Chop the slices fine so you get a little in each spoonful.
• Pancetta: Pancetta is a rich, cured Italian pork belly meat packed with flavor. Think of it as gourmet bacon. Crisp up this savory meat in a frying pan before adding it to your Mac.
• Italian Sausage: If you’ve got some Italian sausage on hand, cook and crumble it into your finished bowl of It's Velvety Cheddar Mac. Italian sausage is spicy, sweet, or mild, so choose whatever type you prefer.
• Prosciutto: Prosciutto is a thinly sliced, cured Italian ham. It’s light and delicious. The thin slices add a delicate, salty flavor, making your It's Velvety Cheddar feel extra special.
• Andouille Sausage: Want a Cajun kick? Andouille sausage adds that ideal smoky, spicy flavor to your It's Velvety Cheddar Mac. If you’ve made our Cajun Rice-Style Bowl with Shrimp and Andouille Sausage, save a little of the sausage for a new favorite Mac and cheese add-in.

More Cheese, Please! Extra Cheese Add-Ins for It's Velvety Cheddar Mac

• Parmesan Cheese: What makes It's Velvety Cheddar Mac (or any mac) better? MORE CHEESE! You can't go wrong with a little extra cheesiness in your dish. A sprinkle or light grating of parmesan cheese adds a salty richness to your lunch or dinner.
• Blue Cheese Crumbles: If you love a tangy bite of blue cheese, crumble some up for your next serving of It's Velvety Cheddar. Blue cheese crumbles add even more creaminess to your mac with a bit of zip for good measure.
• Goat Cheese: Goat cheese has a distinctive flavor that many people love. It has a tangy, earthy quality, unlike any other type of cheese—crumbled goat cheese pairs very well atop a bowl of It's Velvety Cheddar Mac.
• Cheddar Cheese: While the It's Velvety Cheddar Mac sauce is very cheesy, why skimp? Indulge in a little extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded in your bowl for additional cheesy goodness. If you have any remaining cheese in your fridge, toss it into your bowl of healthy mac.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Love that cheese pull? Mozzarella brings the stretchy, melty texture that makes pizza and lasagna so crave-worthy. Put a little mozzarella in your bowl of It's Velvety Cheddar, too!
• Brie Cheese: While we’re talking gourmet cheeses, you can NEVER go wrong with brie. Add a few pieces of creamy, luxurious brie to your It's Velvety Cheddar Mac for an indulgent bowl that feels extra fancy.
• Feta Cheese: Feta is amongst our favorite cheeses out there. It's crumbly, salty, and unique. Add some feta atop It's Velvety Cheddar Mac for a little Mediterranean vibe.

Add Texture and Crunch with These Keto Mac and Cheese Add-Ins

• Parmesan Crisps: Looking for keto-friendly crunch? Parmesan cheese crisps are easy to whip up in your oven. Simply shred cheese in small piles on parchment or a non-stick mat and bake until you have crispy crunch cracker-like treats. These go amazingly well with It's Velvety Cheddar Mac.
• Almonds: Keto-friendly almonds are another excellent way to add crunch and texture to enliven your bowl of It's Velvety Cheddar Mac. Toast the almonds for an extra flavorful nuttiness that can’t be beat.
• Walnuts: Walnuts are a fantastic nut with an almost meaty texture. They're full of healthy fats and happen to be great for you. Add chopped walnuts to your mac for a fun, unique flavor combination.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Leftover pumpkin seeds or pepitas? These are a fun way to get more texture in your bowl of mac and cheese. Pumpkin seeds contain many vitamins, including A, and antioxidants.
• Chia Seeds: Chia seeds add extra fiber to your meal and a subtle crunchiness that makes It's Velvety Cheddar Mac even more fun. The seeds tend to thicken up the sauce, so use them as more of a topping than a stir-in.
• Flax Seeds: Flax seeds are another high-fiber addition that’s very good for your body. Keto-friendly flax seeds have a mild, nutty flavor that subtly enhances each creamy bite.
• Hemp Hearts: For a protein boost, hemp hearts are a great option. These nutty little Mac and cheese add-ins are healthy and fun. They add a rich quality to your mac that you’ll love.
• Coconut Flakes: If you'd like to try something a little different, consider unsweetened coconut flakes. They can add an exotic flavor and uniquely appealing texture to your It's Velvety Cheddar Mac.

Creamy Condiment Add-Ins for Mac and Cheese

• Cream Cheese: It's Velvety Cheddar Mac calls for cream and butter to make a rich, delicious sauce. If you’re craving even more comfort, stir in a little cream cheese to your It's Velvety Cheddar Mac—next level!
• Sour Cream: If you like some zippy tang to your cheese sauce, sour cream can give it a boost. Stir in a spoonful or two of sour cream to bring on the tanginess and creaminess you crave.
• Greek Yogurt: Similar to sour cream, Greek yogurt has a tangy, creamy flavor and a dose of healthy probiotics to boot! Greek yogurt is a good source of calcium and a go-to addition for keto dieters.
• Mustard: Mustard adds a certain note that's unlike anything else. It makes the cheese taste even more flavorful and exciting. We suggest adding a little Dijon, ground mustard, or whole grain to top your It's Velvety Cheddar Mac.
• Hot Sauce: Hot sauce is a classic choice for spicing up your It's Velvety Cheddar Mac. Pick your favorite—Sriracha, Frank’s RedHot, Cholula, or any cayenne pepper sauce you prefer. It adds all kinds of heat and excitement to your Mac without many additional calories (or carbs).

Ready to get started? Get your box of It's Velvety Cheddar Mac and prepare to fall in love. This easy, cheesy Mac is the perfect way to satisfy your keto cravings. You won't believe that it's diet-friendly and good for you!

Try some awesome keto mac and cheese add-ins to elevate your Mac game! What’s your favorite?