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

Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food mashup. This Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese is everything you want in a weeknight meal: unbelievably creamy, packed with spicy flavor, and loaded with tender chicken. Forget the boxed stuff; this homemade version is surprisingly easy and delivers a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect recipe to spice up your dinner routine.

We’ve perfected the cheese sauce to ensure it’s velvety smooth, with just the right amount of Cajun kick. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s an experience. It’s the meal your family will ask for again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

This isn’t your average mac and cheese. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your home:

• Incredibly Flavorful: A bold blend of Cajun spices, smoked sausage, and blackened chicken creates a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.
• Perfectly Creamy Sauce: We use a trio of cheeses—sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and cream cheese—to create a luxuriously smooth and velvety sauce that clings to every noodle.
• Weeknight Friendly: This recipe is straightforward and comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
• Customizable Heat: You control the spice! Easily adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to make it as mild or as fiery as you like.

The Key Ingredients for Authentic Cajun Flavor

The magic of this dish comes from a combination of classic mac and cheese ingredients and bold Cajun staples. Here’s what you’ll need.

For the Chicken and Pasta:

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Andouille Sausage: This smoked sausage is key for authentic Cajun flavor. If you can’t find it, a good quality kielbasa will also work.
• Pasta: We recommend a short pasta with ridges, like Cavatappi, Cellentani, or Rigatoni, to catch all of that glorious cheese sauce.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and sausage.
• Cajun Seasoning: Use your favorite store-bought blend or make your own! This is the primary source of the dish’s signature flavor.

For the Creamy Cajun Cheese Sauce:

• Butter & Flour: These create the roux, which is the foundation for thickening our sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a fragrant, aromatic base.
• Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: The combination of these two creates a rich, creamy, but not overly heavy sauce.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The backbone of any good mac and cheese. Freshly grated is a must for a smooth melt.
• Gruyère Cheese: Adds a wonderful nutty and salty flavor that complements the cheddar perfectly.
• Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient for an ultra-creamy, stable sauce that never breaks.
• Chicken Broth: To thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

How to Make Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to create a truly unforgettable meal. It’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This water is liquid gold and can help adjust the sauce consistency later.

Step 2: Prepare the Cajun Chicken and Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken pieces dry and season them generously with Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook until it’s nicely browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Make the Roux

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour to create a paste (the roux). Continue whisking and cook for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Slowly whisk the heavy cream and milk into the roux until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until it has completely melted. Add the grated sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses in handfuls, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Do not let the sauce boil after adding the cheese. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a little of the reserved pasta water or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated in creamy, cheesy goodness. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Mac and Cheese

• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. For the smoothest sauce, always buy blocks of cheese and grate them yourself.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente (still has a slight bite). It will continue to cook a little more when you combine it with the hot cheese sauce.
• Temper Your Dairy: Using room temperature milk and cream can help prevent the sauce from breaking.

Customizing Your Mac and Cheese

This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to customize it to your liking!

• Add Veggies: Sautéed bell peppers and onions would be a classic Cajun addition.
• Seafood Lovers: For a true taste of Louisiana, try this delicious creole shrimp instead of chicken.
• Make it Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Try a Different Protein: This recipe is fantastic with steak. For inspiration, check out our popular Cajun Steak Pasta recipe.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

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More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you loved this dish, you’ll definitely enjoy our Philly Cheesesteak Pasta for another cheesy delight. For a different flavor profile, give our simple and savory Boursin Chicken a try!

The Perfect Comfort Food Awaits

This Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing guests. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor that will transport you straight to New Orleans. We know you’ll love it! If you make this recipe, don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on Pinterest!

Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

FL Recipes

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

This Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken and smoky sausage are tossed with pasta in a rich, spicy, and incredibly creamy three-cheese sauce. An easy, restaurant-quality meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Cajun

Calories: 850

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 oz Andouille sausage sliced
• 16 oz Cavatappi pasta or other short pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth plus more if needed
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
• 4 oz Gruyère cheese freshly shredded
• 4 oz cream cheese cubed and softened

Equipment

• 1 Large Pot
• 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
• 1 Whisk

Method

 

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente in a large pot of salted water. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside. Add sliced sausage to the same skillet and cook until browned. Set aside with the chicken.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer until thickened. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese until melted. Add shredded cheddar and Gruyère in batches, stirring until smooth. Stir in chicken broth and the remaining 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the drained pasta, cooked chicken, and sausage to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine until everything is well-coated. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 850kcalProtein: 40gFat: 55gFiber: 2g

Notes

Grate Your Own Cheese: This is the most important tip for a smooth, creamy sauce. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can make the sauce grainy.
Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your personal preference. You can always add more at the end!
Pasta Water is Key: Don't forget to reserve some pasta water. It's perfect for thinning the sauce to the right consistency if it gets too thick.

Keyword cajun chicken mac and cheese,creamy pasta recipe,spicy mac and cheese

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