Print

One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 53 reviews

This One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken with toasted orzo pasta simmered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect as a comforting weeknight meal, it blends bold spices with smooth, cheesy goodness all cooked conveniently in one skillet for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Seasoning

  • 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning, divided (plus more to taste)
  • Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Base & Flavorings

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, divided
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped
  • 4–6 cloves Garlic, minced

Pasta & Liquids

  • 1 ½ cups Uncooked Orzo Pasta
  • 4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream

Cheese & Spices

  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
  • ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Garnish

  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season & Sear Chicken: Toss the diced chicken with 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning in a bowl. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter to the skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  3. Toast Orzo: Add the dry orzo to the skillet and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the pasta is lightly toasted to develop a nutty flavor.
  4. Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth along with the remaining 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  5. Create Cream Sauce: Keeping the heat low, slowly stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine & Serve: Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir to combine everything evenly and heat through. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning as desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites; breasts work well for a leaner option.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 tbsp total.
  • To make it extra creamy, add a splash more heavy cream or extra Parmesan cheese.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan Parmesan alternatives.

Keywords: Cajun chicken, one-pot meal, orzo pasta, creamy Alfredo, easy dinner, weeknight recipe

Find it online: https://heutigemahlzeiten.com/one-pot-cajun-chicken-alfredo-orzo-recipe/