Save 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.
This dish brings together my favorite flavors for an easy and satisfying dinner that the whole family enjoys.
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 My family gathers around the table excited to enjoy this warm hearty meal especially on chilly evenings.
Notes
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)
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (cream milk Parmesan) Wheat (orzo) Possible Celery (in broth) Check Cajun seasoning and broth labels for hidden allergens
Save Enjoy this delicious dish fresh for best flavor and texture every time.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?
Yes, shrimp or smoked sausage work well as alternatives and pair nicely with the Cajun seasoning and creamy sauce.
- → Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk to reduce fat content while keeping creaminess.
- → What is the best way to achieve the right sauce consistency?
Simmer the dish gently until most of the liquid is absorbed; add a splash more milk or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
- → Can additional vegetables be included?
Yes, mushrooms, peas, or baby spinach can be added for extra nutrients and color without overpowering the flavors.
- → How do the Cajun spices affect the dish’s flavor?
Cajun seasoning adds smoky, spicy notes balanced by the creamy sauce and melty Parmesan, creating a harmonious depth of flavor.