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+ servings

Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese

A creamy, spicy twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring Cajun-seasoned chicken and a rich cheese sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni or any pasta of choice
For the Cajun Chicken
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil for cooking
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Butter unsalted
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour to thicken the sauce
  • 2 cups Milk preferably whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper adjust to taste
For Topping
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs preferably panko for crunch
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tbsp Butter melted

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cajun Chicken
  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste (roux). This step is crucial for thickening the sauce.
  2. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine and Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, Cajun chicken, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
  3. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Serve
  1. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
  2. Enjoy your Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese hot, garnished with additional Cajun seasoning if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 36gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 500mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or serve with hot sauce on the side.

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