One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo – Creamy, Flavor-Packed Dinner
Introduction
If you’re craving comfort food that’s creamy, flavorful, and ready in under 40 minutes, this One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken cubes seasoned with Cajun spices are cooked with garlic, onion, and orzo pasta, then finished with a rich Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
The best part? Everything comes together in just one pot, making cleanup quick and easy. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s special enough to serve for a cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta (about 300 g)
2 ¼ cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Build the flavor base
In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
3. Toast the orzo
Add the dry orzo to the pot and stir for about 1 minute so it absorbs the flavors.
4. Cook the pasta
Pour in chicken broth. Stir and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Make it creamy
Add the chicken back to the pot.
Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Finish with Parmesan
Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Garnish with parsley and an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning if desired.
Recipe Tips & Variations
Extra creamy: Add more heavy cream or an extra handful of Parmesan.
Spicy kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or cayenne for more heat.
Veggie boost: Stir in baby spinach, broccoli florets, or bell peppers.
Protein swap: Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a Cajun twist.
Lighter version: Replace heavy cream with evaporated milk or half-and-half.
What to Serve With Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
Garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Caesar salad for freshness and crunch.
Roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pot wonder → less cleanup, more flavor.
Creamy and comforting → like Cajun Alfredo pasta but lighter with orzo.
Family-friendly → mild spice that can be adjusted to your taste.
Quick and easy → ready in just over half an hour.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is the ultimate comfort meal – creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and made in one pot. It’s a recipe that works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you simply want a hearty meal without a pile of dishes to wash.