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One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo – Easy & Delicious Comfort

One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo creamy skillet dinner
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Creamy One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo with juicy seared chicken, tender orzo pasta, and rich Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce garnished with parsley.

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

1. Toss chicken with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter, then onions. Cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.

5. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

6. Add dry orzo to the skillet and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.

7. Pour in chicken broth and remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil.

8. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

9. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.

10. Mix until sauce is smooth and creamy.

11. Return chicken (and any juices) to skillet. Stir to coat and heat through.

12. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For extra spice, increase Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.

To lighten it up, swap heavy cream for half-and-half.

Leftovers? Add a splash of broth or milk before reheating to keep it creamy.

Freshly grated Parmesan melts best — avoid pre-shredded for the smoothest sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/one-pot-cajun-chicken-alfredo-orzo/