Bacon Ranch Chicken Protein Mac & Cheese: A Budget-Friendly, High-Protein Meal Prep
5-Day Meal Prep
If you’re on a weight loss journey or simply looking for a high-protein, delicious meal that’s also budget-friendly, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you! During my 100-pound weight loss, meal prepping played a huge role in my success. It kept me on track and made healthy eating convenient, even when life got busy. This Bacon Ranch Chicken Protein Mac & Cheese is a go-to in my meal prep rotation. It’s not only packed with protein and lower in calories than traditional mac and cheese, but it’s also incredibly tasty and satisfying.
This recipe makes a 5-day meal prep and is super easy to make, even on a budget. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a week’s worth of meals that are creamy, savory, and full of flavor!
Macros (Per Serving)
Calories: 451
Protein: 53g
Carbs: 33g
Fat: 11g
Ingredients (Makes 5 Servings)
21 oz chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
8 oz protein macaroni (such as Banza or your favorite high-protein pasta)
6 slices turkey bacon
1 ½ cups low-fat cottage cheese
½ cup low-fat milk (I used 1%)
½ cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
1 packet of cheese mix (like the kind that comes with boxed mac and cheese)
2 tbsp ranch seasoning (or 2 tsp for a milder ranch flavor)
Salt, pepper, and chicken bouillon to taste
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes.
Season the chicken with black pepper, onion powder, chicken bouillon, and garlic powder. Feel free to adjust the seasoning amounts based on your taste.
Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil or cooking spray, and cook the chicken until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil a pot of salted water and add the protein macaroni. Cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey Bacon
In a separate skillet, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and chop it into small pieces. Set aside.
Step 4: Make the Mac & Cheese Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, cheese mix packet, low-fat cheddar cheese, low-fat milk, and ranch seasoning.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more ranch seasoning or salt if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to a large bowl or pot.
Add in the cooked chicken, chopped turkey bacon, and mac and cheese sauce. Stir everything together until well coated. The creamy sauce will cling to the pasta and chicken, creating a rich, cheesy dish.
Step 6: Portion and Store
Divide the Bacon Ranch Chicken Protein Mac & Cheese into 5 equal servings in meal prep containers.
Let the meal cool before sealing the containers. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual portions for longer storage.
Meal Prep Tips
Cool Before Storing: Let your mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before sealing the meal prep containers. This helps prevent condensation from making the meal soggy.
Store in Airtight Containers: For the best freshness and flavor, store your meals in airtight containers. This will also keep the food from drying out during storage.
Freezing Option: If you want to keep this meal for longer than 5 days, portion it out and freeze it. This mac and cheese freezes well and can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. You may need to add a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess if the dish seems dry after reheating.
Additional Notes
Adjusting Ranch Flavor: If you prefer a more subtle ranch flavor, start with 2 teaspoons of ranch seasoning instead of 2 tablespoons. Taste the sauce and add more seasoning if you’d like a stronger flavor.
Protein Pasta Options: If you don’t have access to protein pasta, feel free to use regular pasta. However, using a high-protein pasta like Banza helps boost the protein content without adding extra calories.
Customizing the Recipe: Feel free to add in some veggies like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini to sneak in more nutrients. These can be sautéed and mixed into the pasta for added texture and flavor.
Cheese Options: You can swap the low-fat cheddar cheese for reduced-fat mozzarella or a different cheese of your choice, depending on what you have available.
Why This Meal Works for Meal Prep
High in Protein: With 53g of protein per serving, this meal will keep you full and satisfied while supporting muscle growth and recovery.
Budget-Friendly: By using affordable ingredients like chicken breast, turkey bacon, and protein pasta, this recipe is easy on the wallet while still delivering a nutrient-dense meal.
Versatile: Whether you're meal prepping for the week or need something quick to whip up for dinner, this recipe is flexible and can be customized with whatever you have on hand.
Final Thoughts:
This Bacon Ranch Chicken Protein Mac & Cheese is a game-changer for meal prep. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that doesn’t compromise on nutrition. Whether you’re working toward your fitness goals or just trying to make life a little easier with meal prep, this dish delivers on all fronts: high protein, low calorie, and packed with flavor!
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. Happy meal prepping! 🧡