One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo (Print)
Creamy Cajun chicken with orzo in rich Alfredo sauce, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
→ Dry Ingredients
06 - 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
→ Dairy
07 - 2 cups chicken broth
08 - 1 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
15 - Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add butter and let it melt completely.
02 - Toss the diced chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the pan and sauté until browned on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
03 - In the same pan, add chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add orzo to the pan, stirring constantly to coat in the flavors and toast slightly for about 1 minute.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika until well combined.
06 - Return the chicken to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
07 - Stir in Parmesan cheese, spinach if using, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, until cheese is melted and spinach is wilted.
08 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
09 - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The orzo soaks up all that spicy creamy sauce like tiny flavor sponges
- One pot means minimal cleanup maximum satisfaction
- Customizable heat level lets you control the kick
02 -
- The orzo continues thickening the sauce as it rests so do not worry if it looks slightly loose
- Cajun seasoning brands vary wildly in salt content taste before adding extra salt
03 -
- Letting the dish rest for 5 minutes off heat allows the sauce to reach ideal consistency
- Grate your own Parmesan instead of using pre grated for superior melting