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.
I first prepared this recipe on a busy weeknight and loved how all the flavors melded together effortlessly in one pot.
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 This dish quickly became a family favorite, perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings.
Notes
Additional vegetables like mushrooms or peas can be added for extra nutrition Serve with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
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 rich and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?
Toast the orzo lightly in oil or butter before adding liquids and stir occasionally during cooking to avoid sticking.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?
Yes, shrimp or smoked sausage work well and bring different flavor profiles while maintaining the dish's essence.
- → What gives this dish its creamy texture?
The combination of heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the orzo and chicken.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Spinach, peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be incorporated for added flavor and nutrition.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper introduce moderate heat, which can be adjusted or omitted based on preference.
- → What type of pan is best for cooking this meal?
A large deep skillet or Dutch oven with a lid ensures even cooking and enough space for stirring all ingredients together.