Description
This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Mac is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, smoky sausage, and creamy cheese sauce with a spicy Cajun kick. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s made entirely in one pot for easy cleanup and packed with bold southern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Liquids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
Pasta & Cheese
- 1/2 pound elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, seasoning it with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken pieces are browned on all sides.
- Add and Cook Sausage: Stir in the sliced smoked sausage and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the sausage is browned and fragrant, infusing the pot with smoky flavor.
- Combine Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil to start cooking the pasta.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the macaroni cooks evenly until tender.
- Add Cheese: Once the pasta is tender, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan until they melt completely, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning and Rest: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper if desired for extra heat. Let the dish rest for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken up the sauce and enhance flavors.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or extra cheese for a finishing touch.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, omit or reduce the cayenne pepper.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.
- Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can boost nutrition and flavor.
