Description
When comfort food meets bold Southern flavor, you get this unforgettable Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender, spiced chicken, this dish brings just the right balance of heat and richness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for searing chicken)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for roux)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Toss the diced chicken with Cajun seasoning. In a skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
- Step 4: Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking until the mixture thickens.
- Step 5: Stir in the cheddar cheese and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Step 6: Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and more Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Step 7: Return the chicken and pasta to the skillet. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Always cook the roux for a full minute to remove the flour taste. Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and flavor. Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 850 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 1250 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken, mac and cheese, creamy pasta, Southern comfort food, cheesy chicken pasta