Cajun Mac and Cheese with Chicken

A baked macaroni and cheese dish garnished with herbs sits in a white casserole dish on a turquoise surface, surrounded by a bunch of cherry tomatoes, a bowl of red pepper flakes, a blue napkin, and a wooden spoon.

Cajun Mac and Cheese with Chicken

Creamy, a little spicy, and loaded with cheese. That’s exactly what you get with this Cajun mac and cheese with chicken. Tender pasta soaks up a silky sauce, Cajun-seasoned chicken brings the heat, and the whole thing is finished with a golden panko crust that’s perfectly crisp. This isn’t your basic “cheese and noodles” made for toddlers. It’s cozy comfort with a kick.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 55

Total Time 1 15

Servings

Calories 572kcal

Author Wendy Polisi

Ingredients

Pasta and Chicken

16 ounces elbow noodles
1 pound boneless skinless chicken
1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons avocado oil

Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
16 ounces shredded sharp cheddar
8 ounces American
8 ounces cream cheese cubed
1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ cup panko breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with cooking spray. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Season the chicken with the Cajun seasoning and salt.
Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for 7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the skillet and let rest.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions. Drain.
Add the butter to the skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle with the flour, and cook for 2 minutes, until the flour turns golden brown.
Add the milk, and bring to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, and add the cheddar cheese, American cheese, cream cheese, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese has melted. While the cheese is melting, dice the chicken.
Add the pasta back to the skillet and stir in the chicken. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Top with the breadcrumbs.
Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned.

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