Save 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 brings together rich flavors that satisfy the whole family and always gets rave reviews whenever I make it.
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
- Season the chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with half of the Cajun seasoning salt and pepper
- Cook chicken:
- 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 56 minutes Remove chicken to a plate and set aside
- Sauté vegetables:
- In the same pot add onion and bell pepper Sauté for 3 minutes until softened Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more
- Toast orzo and spices:
- Stir in the orzo smoked paprika remaining Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper Toast the orzo for 1 minute stirring frequently
- Add liquids:
- Pour in the chicken broth heavy cream and milk Stir well scraping any browned bits from the bottom
- Simmer:
- Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to medium low Cover and simmer for 1012 minutes stirring occasionally until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed
- Combine chicken and spinach:
- Return the chicken to the pot along with spinach (if using) Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy
- Adjust seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning If sauce is too thick add a splash more milk or broth
- Serve:
- Serve hot garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan
Save This recipe always brings my family together around the dinner table and creates lasting memories.
Notes
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
Save This creamy Cajun chicken Alfredo orzo is sure to be a family favorite in just one pot.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, shrimp or smoked sausage make excellent substitutes, offering different textures and flavors while keeping the dish hearty.
- → What is the best way to adjust the spiciness level?
To reduce heat, use less or omit the cayenne pepper. For more spice, increase the Cajun seasoning or add extra cayenne carefully.
- → How can I make this dish creamier?
Adding a bit more heavy cream or stirring in extra Parmesan cheese while cooking will increase creaminess and richness.
- → Is orzo pasta essential or can it be replaced?
Orzo provides a unique texture but can be replaced with small pasta shapes like couscous or rice for similar results.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
It’s best served fresh, but leftover portions can be refrigerated and gently reheated, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- → What vegetables work well besides spinach?
Mushrooms, peas, or kale are great alternatives or additions, adding flavor and nutrition.