Description
Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delectable fusion of bold, spicy flavors and comforting, creamy goodness. With its easy-to-follow instructions and versatile customization options, this recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounce elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Velveeta or 4 ounce cream cheese
- 2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Panko breadcrumbs, optional
Instructions
- Boil the macaroni according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
- Toss the diced chicken with the Cajun seasoning to coat it evenly. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Season the sauce with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cream cheese or Velveeta until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Then, add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella (if using), continuing to stir until all the cheese is fully incorporated.
- Add the cooked macaroni and the sautéed chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring gently until everything is evenly coated. If you’d like to include the optional bell peppers, stir them in at this stage.
- For an extra crispy topping, transfer the Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese to a baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Top it with a layer of additional shredded cheese or panko breadcrumbs. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Serve your Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese hot and enjoy!
Notes
You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, to adjust the flavor profile to your liking. For a vegetarian option, try substituting the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg