Cajun Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese is probably the most made dish in our family.

I think most families with young kids tend to eat it allot.

Every once in awhile I like to switch it up. Like this Bacon Ranch Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese or this Bacon Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and cheese...

Sometimes I'll add in broccoli, bacon, chicken, onions, peppers... Other times I experiment with toppings, Bread crumbs, Ritz, Bacon, Shredded Cheese, Tomatoes,  Scallions, Potato Chips, Frenches Fried Onions.... There are endless possibilities!

I have been craving some Cajun flavor all week. So why not add it into my baked baked n cheese?

Ingredients:

1/2 lb of pasta
3 cups of milk
4 tbs of butter
4 tbs of flour
16 oz of shredded sharp cheddar
1 tbs of a Cajun seasoning blend
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1/4 cup diced onion
1 tbs minced garlic
1 tbs of cooking oil
1 can of diced tomatoes (strained)
1-2 cup of sliced andouille sausage
1 1/2 cups of cubed cooked chicken breast (bite sized pieces)
Scallions to garnish (optional)
1/2 extra shredded cheddar to top with

Directions:

Cook pasta according to box directions.

In a medium fry pan saute bell pepper, onion, and garlic in about 1 tbs of oil on medium heat. Once the onions start to become translucent remove from heat and set aside. 

In a large sauce pan over medium/low heat. Melt butter and whisk in flour continue whisking for about 2 minutes until you have a paste. Slowly pour in milk continuously whisking. Once it smooths out and  comes to a low boil/thickens. Add in your cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and your sauce has become nice and thick. Mix in Cajun seasoning and remove from heat.

In a large pan or bowl add in your  pasta, cooked veggies, diced tomatoes, cheese sauce, 1 cup of your sliced sausage, cubed chicken.  Mix until everything is combined.

Transfer to your baking dish. Top with your remaining cheese.

OPTIONAL I topped my casserole with more sausage slices.


Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes (or until sides are bubbly and the sausage is browning. Serve with diced scallions on top.

My husband and I approved this as one of the best baked pasta dishes I've made in a long long time!