Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea that’s bursting with flavor? This Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy twist on classic comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or when you need an easy recipe to impress guests. Tender chicken, elbow macaroni, and a homemade Cajun cheese sauce make this dish an instant favorite among easy dinner and food ideas lovers. Whether you want a healthy snack with a protein boost or creative new breakfast ideas, this dinner recipe checks all the boxes for family-friendly meals!
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove to a plate and let rest.
3. Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring, until sauce thickens.
6. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar, Monterey Jack (or mozzarella), and Parmesan. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
7. Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Toss to coat. If needed, thin sauce with reserved pasta water.
8. Slice cooked chicken and arrange over pasta. Sprinkle with extra cheese if desired. Broil 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or use hot pepper jack cheese.
Rotisserie chicken works as a quick substitute; just season and add to pasta.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; add a splash of milk to reheat creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop + Broil
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 116mg
Keywords: cajun chicken mac and cheese, easy dinner, quick dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta, spicy mac and cheese, family dinner, chicken recipes