Pin 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 recipe brings together bold Cajun flavors with creamy Alfredo sauce in a single dish, making cooking and cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 450 g) cut into bite sized pieces
- Onion: 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 diced
- Baby Spinach: 1 cup roughly chopped (optional)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Orzo Pasta: 1 1/2 cups (300 g)
- Chicken Broth: 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) low sodium
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Cajun Seasoning: 1 tablespoon (store bought or homemade)
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon or to taste
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground
- Cayenne Pepper: Pinch (optional for extra heat)
- Parmesan Cheese: 3/4 cup (75 g) freshly grated
- Parsley: Chopped fresh garnish
- Extra Parmesan Cheese: For garnish
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 sauté 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. Sauté 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.
Pin This dish has become a family favorite for busy weeknights, bringing comfort and bold flavors to our dinner table.
Tips for Best Results
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer taste and toast the orzo until fragrant to enhance its nutty flavor.
Variations
Swap chicken with shrimp or smoked sausage and add mushrooms or peas for extra vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or a green salad to complete the meal.
Pin This Cajun chicken Alfredo orzo is sure to please with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?
Yes, shrimp or smoked sausage can be used instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
- → How can I make the dish lighter?
Use half-and-half in place of heavy cream to reduce richness while maintaining creaminess.
- → Is it necessary to use Cajun seasoning store-bought?
Homemade Cajun seasoning works well and allows you to adjust the spice levels to taste.
- → Can I add more vegetables to the meal?
Yes, mushrooms, peas, or additional greens like spinach can be added for extra texture and nutrition.
- → What is the best way to ensure the orzo cooks evenly?
Simmer the orzo covered on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure tender pasta.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during cooking.