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One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo

Tender Cajun-spiced chicken simmers with orzo pasta in a creamy Parmesan sauce for an easy one-pot dinner ready in 25 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta uncooked
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 0.5 small onion diced
  • 2 tbsp garlic minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet or sauté pan
  • wooden spoon
  • Chef's knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Toss chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add dry orzo to the pan and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to toast the pasta grains until slightly golden and nutty-smelling.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and add remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes to prevent sticking, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and smoked paprika. Add browned chicken back to the pan along with any accumulated juices.
  7. Reduce heat to low and fold in shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and sauce is glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while sauce is at its creamiest.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add 2-3 tablespoons broth or cream when reheating to restore creamy consistency. Substitutions: Use chicken thighs instead of breast for richer flavor. Swap shrimp for chicken (add during last 3-4 minutes). For vegetarian, use vegetable broth and add white beans. Make-Ahead: Prep chicken and dice onion earlier in the day. The dish is best cooked fresh since orzo continues absorbing liquid. Heat Level: Reduce Cajun seasoning to 1 tablespoon total for mild. Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne for spicier.