I love making this One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo when I want something creamy, spicy, and comforting without a pile of dishes to clean up. The orzo cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the Cajun flavor, and the chicken stays tender and juicy in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s bold, cozy, and incredibly easy. I enjoy how everything comes together in one pot, saving time while still delivering rich flavor. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of heat, and the creamy Alfredo-style sauce makes the dish feel indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
I start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. I season the chicken with Cajun seasoning and add it to the pot, cooking until lightly browned and just cooked through. I remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same pot, I add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. I stir in the orzo and toast it for about a minute, letting it absorb the flavors.
I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. I cook the orzo, stirring often, until it’s tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
I reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. I return the chicken to the pot and simmer everything together for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the orzo.
I finish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Servings And Timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color. When I want more heat, I increase the Cajun seasoning or add chili flakes. I also enjoy using shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Is this dish very spicy?
I find it mildly to moderately spicy, and I adjust the Cajun seasoning to control the heat.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
I use milk sometimes, but the sauce turns out less rich. I prefer cream for the best texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I make it ahead and reheat gently, adding extra liquid to keep it creamy.
What can I use instead of orzo?
I’ve used small pasta shapes, but cooking times and liquid amounts may vary.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
I use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives when needed.
Conclusion
I keep coming back to this One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo because it’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the kind of one-pot meal that feels comforting and bold at the same time, making it a reliable favorite in my kitchen.
Print
One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is a creamy, spicy, and comforting meal made in just one pot. It features tender chicken, rich Alfredo-style sauce, and orzo that absorbs bold Cajun flavor—perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning and cook until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in orzo and toast for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring often, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and paprika. Return chicken to the pot and simmer until sauce thickens.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Notes
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Increase Cajun seasoning or add chili flakes for more heat.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
