Save to Pinterest A creamy, spicy, and comforting one-pot meal combining tender chicken, smoky Cajun spices, velvety Alfredo sauce, and orzo pasta for a quick weeknight dinner.
I first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and they loved how flavorful and easy it was to prepare.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 450 g) cut into bite sized pieces
- Vegetables: 1 small yellow onion finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 cup baby spinach roughly chopped (optional)
- Pantry: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 1/2 cups (300 g) orzo pasta, 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) low sodium chicken broth, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- Spices & Seasonings: 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store bought or homemade), 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Cheeses: 3/4 cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley, Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Season the chicken pieces with half of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2:
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add the chicken and sauté until browned and just cooked through, about 5 6 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In the same pot, add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 4:
- Stir in the orzo, smoked paprika, remaining Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Toast the orzo for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Step 5:
- Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
- Step 6:
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium low. Cover and simmer for 10 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 7:
- Return the chicken to the pot along with spinach (if using). Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Step 8:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. If sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk or broth.
- Step 9:
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Save to Pinterest This dish quickly became a family favorite around our dinner table, bringing warmth and comfort on even the busiest nights.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half and half instead of heavy cream. Swap chicken with shrimp or smoked sausage for variation. Add mushrooms or peas for extra vegetables. Serve with crusty bread or a green salad.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid, Cutting board and knife, Wooden spoon or spatula, Measuring cups and spoons, Grater (for Parmesan)
Nutritional Information
Calories 570, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 48 g, Protein 37 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This flavorful dish comes together swiftly and makes a satisfying meal any night of the week.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I keep the chicken tender?
Brown the chicken pieces over medium-high heat until just cooked through, avoiding overcooking to retain juiciness.
- → Can I substitute orzo with another pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or couscous work well, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- → What does Cajun seasoning add?
Cajun seasoning provides a smoky, spicy kick that complements the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.
- → Is it possible to include more vegetables?
Absolutely! Adding mushrooms, peas, or extra spinach enhances flavor and nutrition without altering the dish's essence.
- → How do I adjust the sauce consistency?
If the sauce becomes too thick, simply stir in a splash of milk or broth to reach desired creaminess.