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.
I first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and they loved the perfect blend of spices and creamy texture that made dinner easy and delicious.
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 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.
Save This recipe always brings my family together around the table with smiles and full bellies after a long day.
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
Save This one pot Cajun chicken Alfredo orzo is sure to become a favorite for creamy and flavorful dinners that come together quickly.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?
Yes, shrimp or smoked sausage are excellent alternatives that complement the creamy, spicy sauce well.
- → Is baby spinach necessary in this dish?
Spinach is optional but adds a fresh, leafy texture and brightens the rich flavors.
- → How can I adjust the heat level?
Reduce or omit cayenne pepper or adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to make it milder.
- → What can I use if I don't have orzo pasta?
Small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or Israeli couscous work well as substitutes.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add a splash of milk or chicken broth while cooking to maintain a creamy consistency.