The Ultimate One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo Recipe
A rich and flavorful one-pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta for a comforting yet easy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning, divided (plus more to taste)
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped
- 4–6 cloves Garlic, minced
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Dairy
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, divided
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
Pantry
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 ½ cups Uncooked Orzo Pasta
- 4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
Instructions
- Season & Sear Chicken: In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 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 the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Toast Orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the pasta is lightly toasted, enhancing its nutty flavor.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Bring 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 is absorbed.
- Create Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine & Serve: Return the cooked chicken along with any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful dish, or chicken breasts if preferred leaner meat.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: Cajun Chicken Alfredo, One-Pot Meal, Orzo Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Cajun Seasoning, Chicken Dinner, Easy Weeknight Recipe
