One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo – Creamy One Pan Dinner
One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dinner made in one pan. Tender Cajun chicken, Parmesan Alfredo sauce, and orzo create an easy family-friendly meal. Ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Optional: fresh spinach or diced bell peppers
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Season the diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Melt the butter in the same pot and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast it for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the pot and gently mix everything together. Add spinach or bell peppers if desired.
- Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve your One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo immediately.
Notes
- Substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add cooked shrimp during the final few minutes for a seafood variation.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.