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A close-up shot of a spoonful of creamy Cajun chicken pasta, showing the rich cheese sauce and seasoned chicken.

Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Creamy & Spicy Recipe

This Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken and pasta in a velvety, spicy, and incredibly creamy three-cheese sauce. An easy, restaurant-quality meal perfect for any night of the week!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 lb short pasta (like elbow macaroni or cavatappi)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion finely minced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded from block
  • 4 oz gouda cheese shredded from block
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Box grater

Instructions
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While pasta cooks, pat chicken dry and toss with 2 tbsp of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced onion and cook until soft (3-4 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
  3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps, then whisk in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened. Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded cheeses one handful at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted before adding the next. Do not boil.
  4. Stir the remaining 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Stir until everything is well-coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

Tip 1: For the absolute creamiest sauce, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Tip 2: Feel free to add cooked andouille sausage for an extra layer of flavor and spice.
Tip 3: If reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk to the pot or bowl to help loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture.
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