Easy One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
Creamy One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is an easy weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, Parmesan Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo. Ready in just 35 minutes using one pot.
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 or 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, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Melt the butter in the same pot.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast 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 broth has been absorbed.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the pot and stir well. Add spinach or bell peppers if desired.
- Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve your One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce.
- Boneless chicken thighs work well as a substitute for chicken breasts.
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors.