Name: One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Mac
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, diced; 8 oz Andouille sausage, sliced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; Salt, to taste

There’s just something soul-satisfying about a big bowl of cheesy, creamy pasta, especially when it packs a punch of Cajun spice and juicy bits of chicken and sausage in every bite. This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Mac is one of those dishes I whip up when I want comfort food with a twist. It’s hearty, loaded with bold flavors, and best of all—made in one pot for easy cleanup.

I remember the first time I made this recipe, it was on a rainy night and I was craving something warm and indulgent. I tossed together what I had on hand—some Cajun-seasoned chicken, smoky sausage, pasta, and a rich creamy sauce—and the result blew me away. Since then, it’s become a go-to for weeknights and weekend hangouts alike.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Mac

Bold and Spicy Flavors: That Cajun seasoning brings heat and depth that makes every forkful exciting.
One-Pot Wonder: Less mess, fewer dishes—everything simmers together in a single pot.
Creamy and Comforting: The velvety sauce hugs each piece of pasta and meat, creating a rich, cohesive dish.
Protein-Packed: Chicken and sausage deliver on taste and staying power.
Customizable Heat Level: Turn up or dial down the spice to your liking.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners or impressing friends with something a little different.

What Kind of Sausage and Chicken Should I Use?

You’ve got flexibility here, which is one of the things I love about this recipe. For the sausage, I usually go with Andouille—it’s smoky, spicy, and made for Cajun dishes. But if you want something milder, a good quality smoked sausage or even chicken sausage works well.

As for the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breast is my go-to for lean protein and quick cooking, but chicken thighs are an excellent option if you’re craving more flavor and tenderness. Cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and soak up all that delicious seasoning.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is super forgiving, so don’t worry if you need to make swaps:

Pasta: Elbow macaroni is classic here, but you can sub with penne, rotini, or shells—anything that holds sauce well.
Dairy-Free Cream: Use coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative if you’re avoiding dairy.
Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully into the sauce, but Monterey Jack or even a spicy pepper jack can bring a whole new vibe.
Vegetables: Toss in some bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added color and nutrients.
Protein Alternatives: Go meatless with plant-based sausage and tofu or just stick to the creamy pasta on its own—it still delivers big flavor.

Ingredients for This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Mac

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building bold flavor and creamy texture. Here’s what makes this recipe sing:

Elbow Macaroni
The perfect shape to trap creamy sauce and bits of sausage and chicken in every bite.
Chicken Breast or Thighs
Adds lean protein and soaks up the Cajun spice beautifully. Cut into small pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly.
Andouille Sausage
Brings that signature smoky, spicy Cajun flavor that sets this dish apart. Slice it up and let it caramelize for extra depth.
Chicken Broth
Used instead of water to boil the pasta and cook the meat, infusing everything with rich, savory flavor.
Heavy Cream
Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that wraps around the pasta—pure comfort.
Cheddar Cheese
Melts into the sauce for that crave-worthy creamy-cheesy goodness.
Cajun Seasoning
The heart of the dish—bold, spicy, and packed with flavor. Use more or less depending on your heat tolerance.
Garlic and Onion Powder
For aromatic depth that complements the Cajun spice without overpowering it.
Olive Oil or Butter
Used to sauté the sausage and chicken—adds a layer of richness right from the start.

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage

Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a pat of butter, then toss in the sliced Andouille sausage. Let it sizzle until browned and slightly crispy on the edges. This step releases all those smoky oils that will flavor the whole pot.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add your diced chicken to the same pot. Season it generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. The browned bits from the sausage will cling to the chicken for extra flavor.

Step 3: Pour in the Chicken Broth

Add 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot and stir well to deglaze the bottom. Make sure to scrape up all those flavorful bits stuck to the pan—they’re gold. Bring the broth to a boil.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Pour in the elbow macaroni and stir it through the liquid. Let it simmer uncovered for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just tender and has absorbed most of the broth.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine, then slowly add in your shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted and creamy.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste your mac and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe a bit more Cajun spice or salt, depending on your preference. Let it simmer another minute or two until thick and luscious. Then serve it hot and creamy straight from the pot!

How Long to Cook One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Mac

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30–35 minutes total:

Sautéing sausage and chicken: ~8–10 minutes
Simmering the pasta in broth: ~10–12 minutes
Stirring in cream and cheese: ~5 minutes
Final simmer for thickening: ~3 minutes

The beauty of this dish is that everything happens in one pot, so you’re layering flavor as you go. Keep the heat moderate and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Tips for Perfect Cajun Chicken & Sausage Mac

Brown the sausage well: Don’t rush this step—it adds incredible depth to the overall flavor.
Cut meat into even pieces: This ensures both chicken and sausage cook evenly and stay juicy.
Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts smoother than pre-shredded and helps prevent a grainy texture in the sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta: It should be tender but still hold shape—remember it’ll keep absorbing sauce as it sits.
Adjust spice to taste: Cajun seasoning can vary a lot in heat—start with less if you’re unsure, then build up.
Let the sauce rest a bit: Giving it 5 minutes off heat before serving helps it thicken naturally.
Stir continuously when adding cheese: This prevents clumping and ensures a silky sauce.
Add veggies if desired: Bell peppers or spinach can be tossed in during the pasta step for extra color and nutrition.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few common pitfalls can make or break the dish. Keep an eye out for these:

Adding cream too early: If you add it while the broth is still boiling, it might curdle. Wait until after the pasta is cooked and reduce the heat first.
Overcooking the pasta: Since it simmers right in the broth, it can go from perfect to mushy quickly. Start checking it at the 9-minute mark.
Not seasoning the chicken: Don’t rely on the Cajun spice alone—give your chicken some love with a little garlic and onion powder too.
Skipping the deglazing: All that flavor stuck at the bottom of the pan? That’s gold. Add the broth and scrape it up.
Using low-quality sausage: Andouille or a good smoked sausage brings real depth—avoid anything bland or overly processed.
Not stirring while adding cheese: Dumping it all at once can lead to a clumpy sauce. Add in batches and stir well after each handful.
Using pre-shredded cheese: It has anti-caking agents that can mess with the sauce’s creaminess.
Too much Cajun seasoning: It can overpower fast. Start with a teaspoon or two and build to your heat preference.

What to Serve With One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Mac?

This dish can definitely stand on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can take your dinner to the next level.

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and perfect for scooping up every last bit of creamy sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A light, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

Pickled Veggies

Something tangy like pickled okra or cucumbers cuts through the creaminess and spice beautifully.

Cajun Roasted Corn

Smoky-sweet corn with a dusting of Cajun seasoning complements the flavors perfectly.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Fresh and juicy—this adds a refreshing contrast and is super easy to toss together.

Lemon-Butter Broccolini

Steamed broccolini with a touch of lemon and butter brings brightness to the plate.

Skillet Cornbread

A Southern classic that’s both hearty and slightly sweet—a great match with bold flavors.

Iced Sweet Tea or Lemonade

Cool, refreshing drinks are ideal with a spicy, creamy main like this one.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Mac store beautifully, and honestly, the flavor gets even better the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, as it will thicken when chilled.
Freezer: You can freeze it, but the cream and cheese may separate slightly when thawed. If you do freeze, use a freezer-safe container and enjoy within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop with added liquid.
Reheating Tips: Avoid microwaving on high—low and slow is better to keep the creaminess. Stir frequently as it heats to prevent hot spots.

Estimated Nutrition

These numbers are based on a hearty dinner-sized serving (approx. 1.5 cups), but keep in mind it can vary depending on portion size and specific brands used:

Calories: ~620
Protein: 32g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Sodium: ~900mg
Cholesterol: ~115mg

This dish is high in protein and rich in flavor, but if you’re looking to lighten it up, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or reducing the cheese slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to make this less spicy?

Start by using less Cajun seasoning, and pick a mild sausage instead of Andouille. You can also stir in a splash of milk or extra cheese at the end to mellow the spice.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked grilled chicken, just chop it and stir it in after the sausage is browned—right before adding the broth.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Swap the pasta with your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni and double-check that your Cajun seasoning and sausage are certified gluten-free. Most major brands offer good options.

What if my sauce turns out too thick?

Easy fix—add a little chicken broth or milk a bit at a time while stirring over low heat until it loosens to your liking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just use a larger pot to accommodate everything and extend the cooking time slightly when simmering the pasta. Stir more often to prevent sticking.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Definitely. You can brown the meat and pre-measure ingredients ahead. For full prep, make the whole dish, store it, and reheat with added liquid to refresh the sauce.

Is it okay to skip the sausage?

Totally. You can go all-in with chicken or keep it vegetarian with added veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for substance and flavor.

What’s a good dairy-free version?

Substitute coconut cream or oat cream for the heavy cream, and use dairy-free shredded cheese—they melt surprisingly well and keep the dish rich and satisfying.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Mac brings together everything I crave in a comfort meal—bold spice, hearty protein, tender pasta, and that dreamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a no-fuss dish with maximum payoff, all made in a single pot. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something indulgent with a kick, this recipe hits every mark. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly favorite.