Description
Take your mac and cheese up a notch with bold Cajun spices and tender chicken. This creamy, cheesy dish is comfort food with a kick.
Ingredients
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1 lb. elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
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2 tbsp butter, unsalted
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
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Cook pasta over stovetop 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
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Heat oil in a skillet, season chicken with Cajun spices, and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat.
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Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and cream. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack until smooth.
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Combine pasta, cheese sauce, and cooked chicken in a large bowl or pot. Mix gently.
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Optional: Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
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Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25mins
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American