When it comes to sustainable weight loss, the key isn’t starving yourself—it’s finding meals that are satisfying, nutrient-dense, and easy to stick with. And according to certified weight loss coach Johnny Hadac, there’s one high-protein, flavor-packed dish you can enjoy every day for lunch to help ‘lose up to 10 pounds in a month’: Spicy Chipotle Mac & Cheese.
“This meal is not only packed with protein, but it’s freezer-friendly and incredibly easy to prep ahead,” Hadac says in a recent TikTok video that’s gaining traction among health-conscious foodies.
@drjohnnyhadac Chipotle Mac & Cheese Spicy. Creamy. PACKED with protein. This one’s a game-changer for your weekly meal prep. All you need: Protein pasta Lean ground turkey Chipotle peppers in adobo Peppers & onions Cheese Cottage cheese So easy. So fire. And yes—it freezes and reheats like a dream. Add this to your lineup this week. #MealPrep #HighProteinMeals #SpicyMacAndCheese #TotalWeightLoss #MacrosMadeEasy #MealPrep #WeightLoss #Diet #Recipe #SimpleRecipes #CheapRecipes #Health #Nutrition #Food #Cookbook #WeightLossCookbook #fyp #weightloss #weightlosstips #nutrition #health #mealprep #diet #food #fatloss #lowcalorie #lowcal #health #muscledummies #life #fyp #totalweightloss #WeightLossCookbook original sound – Johnny Hadac
Ingredients (Makes 10 servings): 1 sweet onion (diced), 2 bell peppers (diced), 2 jalapeño peppers (diced), avocado oil spray, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, garlic powder (to taste), salt (to taste), pepper (to taste), 3 pounds lean ground turkey or beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 box protein pasta, 3 cups low-fat cottage cheese, 2 cups shredded cheese, 1 (7 oz) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (use half if you prefer less spice), juice of ½ lime, ¼ cup skim milk.
How to Make It:
Sauté the Veggies: In a pan over medium-high heat, spray avocado oil and add your diced onion, bell peppers, and jalapeños. Toss in the minced garlic and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let cook for 5 minutes.
Cook the Protein: Add the ground turkey or beef to the pan, break it up, and mix in the taco seasoning. Cook thoroughly.
Boil the Pasta: While the protein cooks, prepare one box of protein pasta according to package directions.
Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, shredded cheese, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and skim milk. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything: Pour the cheese sauce into the meat and veggie mixture. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then stir in the cooked pasta until fully combined.
Struggling With Sleep? This Rechargeable Sound Machine Is A Total Game-Changer
Why It Works
“This recipe works because it’s high in protein, which keeps you full longer and helps preserve lean muscle while you're in a calorie deficit,” Hadac explains. Plus, the bold flavors from the chipotle and spices make it feel indulgent, so you're less likely to feel deprived.
Calories: 610 / Protein: 54g / Servings: 10 / Freezer-friendly and perfect for weekly meal prep!
