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

Get ready to transform a weeknight classic into an unforgettable culinary experience. This Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is where comforting, cheesy goodness meets a bold, spicy kick. We’re talking tender chunks of seasoned chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy, from-scratch cheese sauce that’s loaded with flavor. Forget the boxed stuff; this is the real deal, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up, impress your guests, or simply treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food. This recipe strikes the perfect balance, delivering a rich and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Our version focuses on building deep, layered flavor at every step. From searing the chicken with an aromatic blend of Cajun spices to creating a velvety smooth cheese sauce, we’ll guide you through making the best Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese you’ve ever had. It’s a standout dish that’s just as welcome at a family dinner as it is at a potluck with friends.

Why This Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe Is a Winner

You might be wondering what makes this specific recipe so special. It comes down to a few key elements that work together to create a truly spectacular dish.

• Unbelievably Creamy Sauce: We use a traditional roux base and a smart combination of cheeses to create a sauce that’s supremely creamy and resists breaking or becoming grainy.
• Perfectly Spiced Chicken: The chicken isn’t just an add-in; it’s a star. We use a generous amount of Cajun seasoning to ensure every bite is packed with zesty, savory flavor that complements the rich cheese sauce.
• Customizable Heat: Love it extra spicy or prefer it mild? This recipe is easy to adjust. We’ll give you tips on how to dial the heat up or down to suit your taste perfectly.
• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for specialty items. This entire dish comes together with ingredients that are readily available at your local grocery store.

The Key Ingredients for Perfect Mac and Cheese

The magic of this dish lies in using quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why it matters.

For the Chicken and Pasta:

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. They cook quickly and are easy to dice.
• Pasta: We love using cavatappi or elbow macaroni because their shapes are perfect for holding onto that delicious cheese sauce.
• Cajun Seasoning: This is the flavor powerhouse. Use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own blend!
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to perfection.

For the Creamy Cajun Cheese Sauce:

• Butter & Flour: These two create the roux, the essential foundation for a thick and stable cheese sauce.
• Milk & Heavy Cream: Using a combination of both creates a sauce that’s rich and creamy but not overly heavy. For best results, use whole milk.
• Cheeses: A blend is best! We use sharp cheddar for its classic flavor and Gruyère for its incredible melting properties and nutty taste. Freshly grated cheese is a must to avoid the graininess that can come from pre-shredded varieties.
• Garlic & Onion Powder: These add a deep, savory baseline of flavor to the sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky, spicy notes of the Cajun seasoning.

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

This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. We’ll break it down into simple phases: preparing the components and bringing it all together.

Phase 1: Prep the Chicken and Pasta

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. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken breasts dry and dice them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with half of the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Phase 2: Create the Ultimate Cheese Sauce

1. Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
2. Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Then, whisk in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
3. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, a handful at a time, stirring until each batch is fully melted before adding the next. This is the secret to a silky-smooth sauce!
4. Season the Sauce: Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Phase 3: Combine and Serve

1. Bring It All Together: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is well-coated and heated through.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve your Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Pro Tips for Recipe Success

Want to elevate your mac and cheese from great to gourmet? Follow these simple tips from our kitchen.

• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. For the smoothest sauce, always buy a block and shred it yourself.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente (still firm to the bite). It will continue to cook slightly when you combine it with the hot cheese sauce.
• Temper Your Milk: For an extra-smooth sauce, you can warm the milk before adding it to the roux. This helps prevent lumps from forming.
• Taste As You Go: Cajun seasoning blends vary in salt and spice levels. Taste your sauce before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you’re a fan of spicy Cajun flavors, consider trying our Cajun Salmon recipe next!

Variations and Add-Ins

This recipe is a fantastic base for creativity. Try some of these delicious variations!

• Add Sausage: For an even more authentic Louisiana flavor, add some sliced andouille sausage along with the chicken.
• Make it Baked: Transfer the finished mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
• Veggie Power: Stir in sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and nutrition. For another vegetable side, these healthy sautéed vegetables are a great choice.
• Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Fontina. For a similar cheesy delight try our Philly Cheese Steak Pasta.

What to Serve With Your Mac and Cheese

This Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese is a hearty meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette can cut through the richness. Steamed broccoli or green beans add a fresh, healthy component. And if you really want to lean into comfort, you can’t go wrong with some warm, crusty butter swim biscuits on the side.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, or gently heat it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.

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Can I make Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh for maximum creaminess, you can assemble it a day ahead. Store it covered in the fridge. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

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How can I adjust the spice level?

You can easily control the heat. For less spice, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

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How can I prevent my cheese sauce from being grainy?

The key to a smooth cheese sauce is to use low heat when melting the cheese and to shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses have anti-caking agents that can cause a gritty texture.

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What can I add to this mac and cheese?

This recipe is very versatile! Try adding sliced andouille sausage for more flavor, sautéed bell peppers and onions for some veggies, or top it with breadcrumbs and bake it for a crispy crust.

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What is the best cheese for mac and cheese?

A combination of cheeses often yields the best result. We love sharp cheddar for its classic, tangy flavor and Gruyère for its superior melting quality and nutty notes. Monterey Jack and Gouda are also excellent options.

More Recipes to Love

We hope you love this incredible Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese! It’s a dish that proves comfort food can also be exciting and full of bold flavor. If you tried this recipe, we’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment and a rating below to let us know how it turned out. For more recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!

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

This Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken and pasta are tossed in a spicy, ultra-creamy, and rich homemade cheese sauce. An easy weeknight dinner recipe the whole family will love.

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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 Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb cavatappi or elbow macaroni
• 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups whole milk warmed slightly
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
• 4 oz Gruyère cheese freshly shredded
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

• 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
• 1 Skillet
• 1 Whisk

Instructions

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While pasta is cooking, pat the chicken dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Toss with 1.5 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Whisk in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
5. Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheeses until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated and heated through. Serve immediately.

Notes

Shred Your Own Cheese: For the smoothest sauce, avoid pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the components ahead of time, but it's best assembled right before serving for optimal creaminess.