One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is the ultimate weeknight comfort food creamy, spicy, and bursting with flavor! Tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, velvety Parmesan Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo come together in one pan for a quick and delicious dinner your family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided (plus more to taste)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Toss chicken with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter, then onions. Cook 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add dry orzo to the skillet and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Pour in chicken broth and remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix until sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return chicken (and any juices) to skillet. Stir to coat and heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 38 g
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