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

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food mashup with this incredible Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. We’re talking tender chunks of seasoned chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, all swimming in a luxuriously creamy, spicy cheese sauce. This isn’t your average mac and cheese; it’s a bold, flavor-packed meal that delivers a delightful kick of Cajun spice in every single bite. Forget bland and boring dinners—this dish is guaranteed to become a new family favorite that you’ll be asked to make again and again.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich, cheesy goodness and zesty, vibrant spice. It’s the kind of satisfying meal that warms you up from the inside out. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Cajun cuisine or just looking to spice up your pasta night, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive in and make the best mac and cheese of your life!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Mac and Cheese Recipe

• Incredibly Flavorful: The homemade Cajun seasoning combined with a rich three-cheese sauce creates a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.
• Perfectly Creamy Sauce: We use a classic roux base with evaporated milk and a blend of cheeses to guarantee an ultra-smooth, creamy sauce that never gets grainy.
• Customizable Heat: You control the spice! Easily adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce to make it as mild or as fiery as you like.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: This dish tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen, but it’s surprisingly simple to make right at home. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for company. For another fantastic restaurant-inspired pasta, try this Cajun Steak Pasta recipe.

Key Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature bold flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken and Pasta:

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
• Pasta: We recommend a short pasta shape like Cavatappi, Cellentani, or large elbow macaroni. These shapes are perfect for catching all of the delicious cheese sauce.
• Cajun Seasoning: A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper. You can use store-bought or make your own for the best flavor.
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to perfection.

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

• Butter & Flour: These create the roux, which is the essential base for thickening our cheese sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a fragrant, aromatic depth.
• Evaporated Milk: The secret to an ultra-creamy, stable cheese sauce that resists breaking or becoming oily.
• Chicken Broth: Adds a savory element and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The backbone of any good mac and cheese. Always shred your own from a block for the smoothest melt.
• Gruyère Cheese: Adds a delicious nutty and salty flavor that complements the cheddar perfectly.
• Cream Cheese: Provides extra creaminess, a slight tang, and ensures the sauce is velvety smooth.

How to Make Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese Step-by-Step

Making this dish is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for perfect, creamy results every time. For a different take on cheesy comfort food, check out these loaded chicken bacon ranch fries.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente—firm with a slight bite. Just before draining, reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, toss the chicken with your Cajun seasoning until it’s evenly coated. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Cheese Sauce

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 (this is your roux) and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the evaporated milk, until the mixture is smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until it has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Melt the Cheeses

Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until it has melted completely. Next, begin adding the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese, one handful at a time. Stir continuously until each handful is fully melted before adding the next. This slow process is key to a perfectly smooth sauce. Season the sauce with a little more Cajun seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Once the cheese sauce is velvety smooth, add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the glorious cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Success and Variations

Expert Tips

• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. For the smoothest sauce, always buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta to al dente is crucial. It will continue to cook slightly when you combine it with the hot cheese sauce, so this prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Temper the Sauce: When adding the milk and broth to the roux, pour it in slowly while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps from forming.

Flavor Variations

• Add Andouille Sausage: For an even more authentic Cajun flavor, add some sliced andouille sausage. Brown it after the chicken and mix it in at the end.
• Make it Extra Spicy: Add extra cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or some diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a serious kick.
• Sneak in Some Veggies: Sautéed bell peppers and onions are a classic addition that adds flavor and texture. For another veggie-packed meal, try our classic American goulash.

How to Store and Reheat

Properly storing and reheating this Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese will ensure it tastes just as good the next day.

• Storage: Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat mac and cheese is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pan to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. Stir gently until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Ultimate Creamy Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese

This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a creamy, cheesy, and spicy experience that brings a taste of Louisiana comfort right to your kitchen. It’s the perfect dish to share with family and friends who appreciate bold flavors. If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Share your creations and leave a comment below, or tag us on Pinterest. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow!

Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

FL Recipes

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

This Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken and pasta are tossed in a spicy, ultra-creamy three-cheese sauce for a flavor-packed meal the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe WhatsApp

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Cajun

Calories: 750

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

For the Chicken and Pasta

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb short pasta (like Cavatappi or Cellentani)
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning plus more to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
• 4 oz Gruyère cheese freshly shredded
• 4 oz cream cheese cubed

Equipment

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

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, toss chicken pieces with 2 tbsp of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then evaporated milk, until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cubed cream cheese until melted. Add shredded cheddar and Gruyère in handfuls, stirring until each batch is melted before adding the next. Season sauce with more Cajun seasoning to taste.
6. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine. If needed, thin the sauce with reserved pasta water. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 750kcalProtein: 46gFat: 42gFiber: 2g

Notes

Shred Your Own Cheese: For the smoothest sauce, always use freshly shredded cheese from a block.
Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce to make the dish spicier.
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 mac and cheese,spicy mac and cheese

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Pin Recipe