Cajun Chicken & Chorizo Mac & Cheese
If you love creamy mac and cheese with a little kick, this One Pan Cajun Chicken & Chorizo Mac & Cheese delivers everything you could want in one skillet. Tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, smoky chorizo sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, and an ultra-creamy three-cheese sauce come together for a restaurant-worthy comfort meal that's surprisingly easy to make.
Everything cooks in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more flavor as the pasta absorbs every bit of the rich Cajun broth.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
One pan = easy cleanup
Ultra creamy cheese sauce
Smoky chorizo adds incredible flavor
Ready in about 40 minutes
Family favorite comfort food
Perfect for meal prep
Better than boxed mac and cheese
Prep Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Chicken
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper
Pasta
8 ounces elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
Meat
8 ounces smoked chorizo sausage, sliced
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups chicken broth
1½ cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese
2 cups sharp cheddar
1 cup Monterey Jack
½ cup Parmesan
Garnish
Fresh parsley
Green onions
Extra Parmesan
Cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1
Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 2
Heat butter in a large deep skillet.
Cook chicken for about 5 minutes until lightly browned.
Remove and set aside.
Step 3
Add sliced chorizo.
Cook until browned and slightly crispy.
Remove.
Step 4
Cook onion and bell pepper until softened.
Add garlic and cook another minute.
Step 5
Pour in:
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Dijon mustard
Bring to a simmer.
Step 6
Add the uncooked macaroni.
Cover and cook about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7
Return chicken and chorizo to the skillet.
Stir well.
Step 8
Reduce heat to low.
Add cheeses one handful at a time until completely melted.
Step 9
Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan before serving.
What to Serve With It
Garlic bread
Tips
Freshly shredded cheese melts much smoother.
Don't overcook the pasta.
Add a splash of broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.
Variations
Extra Spicy
Add:
Cayenne, Pepper Jack cheese, and Jalapeños.
Bacon Version
Replace chorizo with thick-cut bacon.
Shrimp Cajun Mac
Swap chicken for shrimp.
Three Meat
Add crispy bacon alongside the chicken and chorizo
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freeze for 2 months.
Reheat with a splash of milk or cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use andouille sausage?
Yes. Andouille works beautifully if you can't find chorizo.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. The flavors deepen overnight.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Add it near the end with the sausage.
What cheese melts best?
A combination of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan creates the creamiest sauce.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Cajun Chicken & Chorizo Mac & Cheese is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy comfort food and bold Cajun flavor, making it an easy weeknight dinner that's guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.