---
project: "[[00_MANIFEST-recipes]]"
folder: "[[00_INDEX-entrees-recipes]]"
title: Chicken Alfredo Mac & Cheese
servings: 4
ingredients:
  - "***Chicken***"
  - 1 lb boneless chicken breast, pounded to even thicken
  - Salt to taste
  - 1/2 tsp black pepper
  - 1 tsp smoked paprika powder
  - 1 tbsp garlic powder
  - 1 tsp cajun seasoning
  - 2 tbsp oil
  - "***Sauce***"
  - 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
  - 3 tbsp butter
  - 2 tbsp all purpose flour
  - 2 cups milk
  - 3/4 cup unsweetened heavy whipping cream
  - Salt to taste
  - 1 tsp garlic powder
  - 1 tsp black pepper powder
  - 1/2 tsp onion powder
  - Pinch of nutmeg
  - 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
  - 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
  - 1 cup freshly grated gruyere cheese
  - 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  - 9 oz cavatappi pasta, boiled according to packet instructions
  - 1 tbsp parsley (for garnish)
  - 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
instructions:
  - "***Chicken***"
  - "**Season the chicken** — Season chicken with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning."
  - "**Cook the chicken** — Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken 4-6 min per side, until golden and cooked through."
  - "**Rest and slice** — Rest 5 min, then slice."
  - "***Sauce***"
  - "**Boil the pasta** — Boil pasta in generously salted water until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain."
  - "**Build the sauce** — Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 sec. Whisk in flour and cook 1 min. Slowly whisk in milk, then heavy cream. Add garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, nutmeg, chili flakes, and salt. Cook 3-5 min, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened. Do not boil."
  - "**Melt the cheese** — Reduce heat to low. Gradually add cheddar and Gruyère, stirring until melted and smooth. Add Parmesan and stir until creamy. Adjust salt if needed."
  - "**Coat the pasta** — Add pasta and toss to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed for a smooth, creamy, glossy sauce you may not need all of it."
  - "**Finish the dish** — Add most of the chicken and mix through, reserving some for the top. Garnish with remaining chicken and parsley. Serve immediately!"
protein:
  - chicken
equipment:
  - stove
source_url: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DduH9dGS1Bm/
source_platform: instagram
source_creator: iramsfoodstory
imported_at: 2026-09-25T19:00:29.937Z
notes:
  - "summary: Cavatappi in a creamy three-cheese Alfredo sauce with Cajun-seasoned chicken, finished with reserved pasta water and parsley."
  - Servings not found in the source — set to 4.
---