Chicken Bacon Cauliflower Mac ’n’ Cheese

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast (use rotisserie or leftovers)
• 3 slices lean bacon, chopped
• 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese (Healthy Extra A on SW)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup light cream cheese (or fat-free Greek yogurt for SW)
• ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk or skim milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley or spring onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep the Cauliflower:
   Steam or boil the cauliflower florets for 5–6 minutes until just tender.
   Drain well and pat dry with paper towels (so the sauce doesn’t get watery).
2. Cook the Bacon:
   In a large non-stick pan, cook bacon until crispy.
   Remove and set aside, leaving a little of the rendered fat (or spray with low-calorie oil).
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   In the same pan, add milk and cream cheese. Stir gently over low heat until melted and smooth.
   Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until creamy and thick.
4. Combine:
   Add cauliflower and chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
   Sprinkle in the crispy bacon pieces (save some for topping).
5. Bake (Optional for Extra Crispiness):
   Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and bacon, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
6. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped parsley or spring onions. Serve warm and creamy!

Plan Notes

• Keto / Low Carb: 5–6g net carbs per serving
• Weight Watchers: ~6–8 points (use reduced-fat cheese & light cream cheese)
• Slimming:
  • Free: using fat-free yogurt, extra-lean bacon, and spray oil
  • Healthy Extra A: cheese
  • Syns: 1–2 for cream cheese (optional)

✅ Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with protein
✅ No pasta, no flour, no guilt
✅ Comfort food that feels indulgent — but isn’t!

Optional Variations

• Add broccoli or spinach for extra veg.
• Mix in a pinch of mustard powder for tangy cheese flavor.
• Top with crushed pork rinds or wholemeal breadcrumbs for crunch (count syns/points if using).