If you want a simple yet flavorful side dish, this Cajun Mac and Cheese is perfect for you! With big flavors from Cajun seasoning and sharp cheddar cheese, this easy pasta dish only requires 5 ingredients total without compromising taste.
One of my favorite hacks in the kitchen as a time-strapped mom who doesn’t want to settle for boring food? Seasoning blends! Having them on hand can help you instantly elevate any meal, and the Cajun seasoning in this spicy mac is a testament to that.
This scrumptious side dish complements almost any main course, and honestly is hearty enough to stand as a full meal on its own. This recipe uplevels classic mac n cheese with a generous hit of salt and spice all in 20 minutes.
Cajun Mac n Cheese Ingredient Highlights
It’s important to note that Cajun seasoning can vary greatly in terms of both saltiness and spice depending on the brand you buy. I like to make my own homemade Cajun seasoning, so I have more control over these levels.
The 1 tablespoon of seasoning called for in this recipe is great for a store brand or a McCormick Cajun seasoning. However, if you’re using one that’s heavier on the salt and heat (like Slap Ya Mama for instance), you may want to add a little bit less.
I love using sharp cheddar cheese in this macaroni but go with your preference. Anything from milk to extra sharp works.
I recommend using a block of cheese and grating it on your own. I know it’s extra work, and of COURSE you can use pre-shredded to save a step, but pre-shredded cheese does have extra anti-caking agents that help to keep the shreds from sticking together.
This same anti-caking agent can make cheese sauce more stringy and less creamy.
Other Tested Ingredient Variations
I also just want to mention that I tested this Cajun Mac n Cheese first with sautéing some diced onions and bell peppers (all common ingredients in Cajun cooking), and I ended up finalizing the recipe without them because I felt they took away from the creamy texture.
I also came to the conclusion that the difference in taste was too negligible to make the extra effort worth it. That being said, if you want to add some veggies for some color or extra heartiness, you absolutely can.
Just sauté in the butter until tender before adding the Cajun seasoning. All the steps remain the same from there.
You’ll also notice there’s no flour in this recipe. A roux is just not necessary here. Simple as that.
Cajun Macaroni and Cheese Tips and Tricks
How I Make Mac and Cheese with Cajun Seasoning
This easy Cajun macaroni and cheese recipe is not only simple to make, but super quick. I usually whip this up within 20 minutes from start to finish.
But in order to get this done fast, you have to work efficiently. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to the instructions on the packaging.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the Cajun seasoning, using a whisk to mix well. Grate your cheese (it’s so much quicker and easier to use a food processor with a grating attachment!) and add it to the Cajun butter with the half and half.
Continue to whisk over low heat until you are left with a smooth and creamy cheese sauce. Then, strain the pasta and fold it into the sauce.
You can keep it over low heat to thicken or to keep warm until ready to serve. Note that as it cools, the cheese sauce will thicken, so don’t overdo it!
Serving Cajun Mac and Cheese
This dish pairs well with anything you would typically serve mac and cheese with, like any BBQ food. But for me the Cajun seasoning ties in an extra element that actually expands on the versatility of this dish.
I love leaning into the Cajun seasoning and serving this cheesy macaroni up with this Roasted Cajun Salmon and some simple veggie sides like these Roasted Asparagus and Carrots.
How to Properly Store and Reheat Leftover Mac n Cheese
Leftovers are best when enjoyed within 5 days and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Have some extra half and half or some milk on hand for reheating. Add a dash of it to your serving, cover it with saran wrap, and reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven by placing in a dish, covering with aluminum foil, and heating at 350°F for 15-30 minutes (I know this is a wide range, but it completely depends on how much you’re reheating.
5-Ingredient Cajun Mac and Cheese
SAVE RECIPE TO COLLECTION PIN PRINT RATEIngredients
- 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni or any other short pasta (8 oz = about 1¾ cup)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (see notes)
- 8 ounces mild, medium, or sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz = about 2 cups shredded)
- ¾ cup half and half
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring about 8 cups of water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to the instructions on the packaging.8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni or any other short pasta
- Meanwhile, in a pan over low heat, melt the butter and whisk in the Cajun seasoning.4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- If need be, shred the cheese. Add it to the Cajun butter with the half and half, still over low heat. Whisk occasionally and continue to heat until all the cheese is melted and you're left with a smooth and creamy Cajun cheese sauce.8 ounces mild, medium, or sharp cheddar cheese, ¾ cup half and half
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine and continue to heat for 1-3 minutes to thicken. Keep in mind that as it cools, the cheese sauce will thicken further, so don't overdo it! Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- It’s important to note that salt and spice levels vary drastically from seasoning to seasoning. Most Cajun seasoning blends will work well with just 1 tablespoon in this recipe, but if you’re using a blend that is heavier on the salt and spice (like Slap Ya Mama for instance), you may want to use less.
- If you are outside the US, half and half can be subbed for half cream, or a mix of single cream and whole milk 1:1
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