Description
This Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe blends creamy cheese sauce with bold Cajun spices and juicy chicken for a Southern-inspired comfort food twist. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this cheesy pasta dish delivers rich flavor with customizable spice and makes for excellent leftovers.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast or thighs
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 ½ cups milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Rub the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in a skillet with butter until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking until smooth and thick.
4. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted into a creamy sauce.
5. Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Stir to coat evenly and heat through.
6. Optional: Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and broil for 3–5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, meltier sauce.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste—some blends are spicier than others.
Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Chicken, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop, Optional Bake
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 585
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 145mg