Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Mac & Cheese Skillet: A High-Protein Twist on Comfort Food
Makes: 3 Servings
Per SerVing: 33g Protein | 360 Cal
There’s something about macaroni and cheese that just screams comfort food. That gooey, creamy texture. That irresistible, cheesy flavor. But traditional mac and cheese? It’s usually heavy, carb-laden, and lacking in protein, which can leave you hungry again an hour later. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Mac Skilletmade with Kaizen Mac & Cheese—a recipe that tastes indulgent but is actually nutrient-balanced and protein-packed.
If you’re someone who wants to hit your protein goals without giving up your favorite comfort foods, this skillet is about to become a staple in your meal rotation. Each serving packs 33 grams of protein, is loaded with smoky turkey bacon and spicy jalapeños, and is ready in under 30 minutes. Bonus: It only has 360 calories per serving and 13 grams of fiber, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a hearty post-workout meal.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make this recipe, share tips for making it your own, and give you insight into why Kaizen Mac is such a game-changer for anyone who loves pasta but wants to keep meals lighter and higher in protein.
Why This Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Mac Skillet is Different
Mac and cheese recipes are everywhere, but this one hits a sweet spot: it’s satisfying, flavorful, and balanced. Here’s why you’re going to love it:
1. Protein-Packed Pasta! The foundation of this recipe is Kaizen Mac & Cheese, a high-protein pasta made with lupini beans. Unlike traditional pasta, which is mostly refined carbs, Kaizen Mac boasts 20+ grams of protein per serving. This helps keep you fuller for longer and supports muscle recovery and growth, especially if you’re active.
2. A Spicy, Savory Flavor Combo. Smoky, crispy turkey bacon and fresh jalapeños bring a depth of flavor that traditional mac just doesn’t have. That little bit of heat from the jalapeños is balanced by the cheesy sauce and fresh herbs.
3. Fiber-Rich and Satiating! With 13 grams of fiber per serving, this recipe supports gut health and helps keep blood sugar steady.
4. Balanced Macros! Each serving delivers 33 grams protein, 24 grams carbs, and 15 grams fat, making it macro-friendly and satisfying without being overly heavy.
Ingredients
1 box Kaizen Mac & Cheese
6 cups water
1 tsp salt
6 strips turkey bacon, chopped - Feel free to sub regular bacon!
1–2 jalapeños, chopped
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup 2% milk or cream
¼ cup chopped green onions
¼ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
Cook the pasta: Bring 6 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil in a large pot. Add the Kaizen Mac and cook according to package instructions.
Prep your ingredients: While the pasta cooks, chop the turkey bacon, jalapeños, green onions, and parsley.
Cook the bacon: Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped turkey bacon and cook until crispy.
Add the jalapeños: Stir in ¾ of the chopped jalapeños (reserve the remaining ¼ for garnish later). Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Drain the pasta: Once the Kaizen Mac is done, drain and rinse it under cold water.
Make the cheese sauce: In the same skillet with the bacon and jalapeños, reduce the heat to low and add the 2% milk (or cream) and the cheese packet from the Kaizen Mac box. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Combine everything: Add the drained pasta back into the skillet and toss to coat in the cheesy sauce.
Finish with herbs: Stir in the chopped green onions and parsley. Top with the reserved jalapeños for a fresh pop of flavor.
Nutrition Info (Per serving - Makes 3 servings)
Calories: 360
Protein: 33g
Carbs: 24g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 13g
What Makes Kaizen Mac & Cheese So Special?
This isn’t just any pasta. Kaizen Mac & Cheese is made from lupini beans, which makes it unique in several ways:
High Protein: Over 20 grams of protein per serving.
Low Net Carbs: Great for those who want a lower-carb option.
Gluten-Free: Ideal for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
Great Texture: Unlike many gluten-free pastas, Kaizen Mac maintains its shape and has a satisfying bite.
Because the pasta itself is so nutrient-dense, you can keep the rest of the recipe simple and still hit your nutrition goals.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ways to customize this recipe:
Make it vegetarian: Swap the turkey bacon for a plant-based bacon alternative or crispy chickpeas.
Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Try different herbs: Fresh cilantro or basil also work well if you don’t have parsley or green onions.
Add extra veggies: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for more fiber and micronutrients.
Creamier sauce: Use cottage cheese instead of milk for a higher protein sauce, or add a spoonful of cream at the end for richness.
How to Meal Prep This Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Mac & Cheese Skillet
This dish keeps beautifully, which makes it a great meal prep option.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Portioning: Since it makes 3 servings, you can easily divide it into meal prep containers with a side of roasted veggies or a small salad.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mac Every Time
Don’t overcook the pasta: Kaizen Mac can get mushy if overcooked, so keep an eye on it.
Crisp the bacon well: This adds a ton of flavor and texture.
Reserve some jalapeños for the end: It keeps the dish looking fresh and colorful.
Taste and adjust: Depending on the saltiness of your bacon and cheese packet, you may not need additional salt.
Why Protein Matters
One of the biggest struggles I see with clients is hitting their daily protein goals. Protein plays a huge role in muscle recovery, satiety, and even hormone regulation. Most traditional mac and cheese recipes have barely any protein, which makes it harder to feel satisfied and stay on track with your nutrition goals.
This recipe changes that. With 33 grams of protein per serving, you’re not just eating comfort food—you’re fueling your body.
FAQs
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Yes! Swap the milk for unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cheese sauce alternative.
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I don’t recommend freezing it because the cheese sauce can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge within 3 days.
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It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the spice level by using fewer jalapeños or removing the seeds.
When to Make This Recipe
This Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Mac Skillet is perfect for:
Busy weeknights: It’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Game day: The flavors pair perfectly with a crisp salad or roasted veggies.
Meal prep: Divide it into containers and you’ve got high-protein lunches for the next few days.
Post-workout meals: With the ideal balance of protein and carbs, it’s great for recovery.
Why You’ll Feel Good About Eating This
Comfort food without the crash: Balanced macros mean you won’t experience the blood sugar rollercoaster of traditional mac and cheese.
Gut-friendly fiber: 13 grams per serving helps support digestion.
Balanced nutrition: You’re getting protein, healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbs all in one dish.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just another mac and cheese recipe. It’s a meal that’s designed to help you feel your best while satisfying your cravings. Thanks to Kaizen Mac, you get all the comfort food vibes without compromising your nutrition goals.
So next time you’re craving something cheesy and cozy, skip the boxed mac and cheese and make this Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Mac Skillet instead. You’ll get the same indulgent flavors in a lighter, higher-protein package.
If you love high-protein, low-carb rice or pasta, check out my other Kaizen recipes:
One Pan Chili Mac & Cheese
One Pan Taco Rice Skillet
Creamy Pasta Primavera
One Pan Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
Creamy High-Protein Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
High Protein Caprese Pasta Salad
Easy, High-Protein Baked Ziti
Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Mac & Cheese Skillet
If you like your comfort food with a little kick, this high-protein Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Mac Skillet is for you. Made with Kaizen low-carb, high-fiber pasta, crispy turkey bacon, fresh jalapeños, and a creamy cheese sauce, this one-pan meal is equal parts indulgent and macro-friendly. Every bite delivers bold flavor with 33 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber per serving—perfect for staying full and satisfied. It’s a quick, craveable twist on classic mac and cheese with just enough heat to keep things interesting
Ingredients
- 1 box Kaizen Mac & Cheese
- 6 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 strips turkey bacon, chopped - Feel free to sub regular bacon!
- 1–2 jalapeños, chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup 2% milk or cream
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring 6 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil in a large pot. Add the Kaizen Mac and cook according to package instructions.
- Prep your ingredients: While the pasta cooks, chop the turkey bacon, jalapeños, green onions, and parsley.
- Cook the bacon: Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped turkey bacon and cook until crispy.
- Add the jalapeños: Stir in ¾ of the chopped jalapeños (reserve the remaining ¼ for garnish later). Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Drain the pasta: Once the Kaizen Mac is done, drain and rinse it under cold water.
- Make the cheese sauce: In the same skillet with the bacon and jalapeños, reduce the heat to low and add the 2% milk (or cream) and the cheese packet from the Kaizen Mac box. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Combine everything: Add the drained pasta back into the skillet and toss to coat in the cheesy sauce.
- Finish with herbs: Stir in the chopped green onions and parsley. Top with the reserved jalapeños for a fresh pop of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
360Fat
15 gCarbs
24 gFiber
13 gProtein
86 gNutrition info is based off of estimates. They are calculated by taking the ingredients in this recipe and dividing them by the number of servings.
