Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Step 2

Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions.

Step 3

Marinate the chicken and pan sear them in an oven safe skillet until golden brown on the outside. The set aside. Wipe the skillet with paper towel to remove excess liquids.

Step 4

In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsps. of butter over medium heat then stir in the Panko crumbs and Cajun seasoning. Toss around until it’s "lightly" golden and then remove from heat. Set aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsps. of butter and add in the flour. Mix well together well to make a smooth paste texture.

Step 6

Add the milk, chicken broth, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder and salt. Mix and simmer on medium heat until the sauce thickens up a little.

Step 7

Add the cream cheese and let the cheese melt up. Then add in the cheddar cheese and continue to stir until the cheddar cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 8

Stir in the cooked pasta and chicken and mix well to coat with the cheese sauce.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat. Top with 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese and cover with the panko crumb mix.

Step 10

Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the crumbs become golden brown.

Step 11

Remove and serve immediately. Garnish with some fresh pepper flakes and chopped parsley.