One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo

A creamy, spicy, and comforting one-pot meal combining tender chicken, smoky Cajun spices, velvety Alfredo sauce, and orzo pasta for a quick weeknight dinner.

This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something flavorful yet simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• Proteins: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 450 g) cut into bite sized pieces
• Vegetables: 1 small yellow onion finely chopped 3 cloves garlic minced 1 red bell pepper diced 1 cup baby spinach roughly chopped (optional)
• Pantry: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 cups (300 g) orzo pasta 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) low sodium chicken broth 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• Spices & Seasonings: 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store bought or homemade) 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• Cheeses: 3/4 cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1:

Season the chicken pieces with half of the Cajun seasoning salt and pepper.

Step 2:

In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven heat olive oil over medium high heat Add the chicken and sa­te until browned and just cooked through about 5 6 minutes Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3:

In the same pot add onion and bell pepper Sa­te for 3 minutes until softened Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 4:

Stir in the orzo smoked paprika remaining Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper Toast the orzo for 1 minute stirring frequently.

Step 5:

Pour in the chicken broth heavy cream and milk Stir well scraping any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 6:

Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to medium low Cover and simmer for 10 12 minutes stirring occasionally until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 7:

Return the chicken to the pot along with spinach (if using) Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 8:

Taste and adjust seasoning If sauce is too thick add a splash more milk or broth.

Step 9:

Serve hot garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.

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This recipe always brings the family together around the dinner table with smiles and full bellies.

Notes

For a lighter version use half and half instead of heavy cream Swap chicken with shrimp or smoked sausage for variation Add mushrooms or peas for extra vegetables Serve with crusty bread or a green salad.

Required Tools

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid Cutting board and knife Wooden spoon or spatula Measuring cups and spoons Grater (for Parmesan)

Allergen Information

Contains Dairy (cream milk Parmesan) Wheat (orzo) Possible Celery (in broth) Check Cajun seasoning and broth labels for hidden allergens.

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This one pot Cajun chicken Alfredo orzo is a delicious way to spice up your weeknight meal rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?

Yes, shrimp or smoked sausage are excellent alternatives that complement the Cajun spices and creamy sauce well.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce richness while maintaining the creamy texture.

→ Is orzo pasta essential to the dish?

Orzo adds a tender, rice-like texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully, making it an important component of this meal.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, ingredients like mushrooms, peas, or baby spinach can be added for extra color and nutrients without overpowering the flavors.

→ How do I adjust the sauce consistency if it's too thick?

Add a splash of milk or chicken broth while stirring to loosen the sauce to your desired texture.

→ What kind of pan is best for cooking this dish?

A large deep skillet or Dutch oven with a lid ensures even cooking and keeps all flavors combined in one pot.