One Pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
Updated Mar 06, 2026
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One Pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is made with tender Cajun-spiced chicken and creamy orzo cooked in one pan. The orzo simmers directly in the sauce, creating a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Looking for more tasty orzo recipes? Try my Orzo al Limone with Crispy Parmesan Chicken or One Pan Sun-Dried Tomato and Boursin Cheese Orzo next.
🐝 Quick Look: One Pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
- ⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 35 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: 50 minutes
- 🍽 Serves: 3
- 🍳 Cook Method: One-pan stovetop
- 🧂 Main Ingredients: Chicken, Cajun seasoning, orzo, garlic, Parmesan
- 😋 Flavor Profile: Creamy, savory, Cajun-spiced
- ⭐ Difficulty: Easy weeknight meal
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan dinner: Everything cooks in a single pan, making this an easy weeknight meal with minimal cleanup. If you enjoy simple meals like this, check out more of my one pan dinners such as One Pot Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Rice or One Pan Creamy Orzo Parmesan with Shrimp.
- Creamy Alfredo-style sauce: The orzo simmers in milk, broth, garlic, and Parmesan to create a rich, creamy Alfredo-style sauce. Make sure to check out more of my Alfredo-based recipes like Baked Chicken Alfredo Dip or Crispy Chicken Parmesan Over Creamy Alfredo Orzo.
- Bold Cajun flavor: The homemade Cajun seasoning adds smoky, savory heat that balances the creamy sauce. You can also use it in other recipes that feature Cajun seasoning such as Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup or One Pot Cajun Chicken Orzo.
- Easy to customize: You can easily add vegetables like broccoli or spinach, or swap the chicken for sausage or shrimp.
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
See the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients with exact quantities.
- Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a small rice-shaped pasta that cooks directly in the pan and absorbs the creamy sauce as it simmers. It gives this dish its signature creamy, risotto-like texture.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Thin cut chicken breasts work especially well in this recipe because they cook quickly and evenly. If you can’t find thin cut, simply slice whole breasts in half horizontally. Optionally, pound the sliced chicken even thinner.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds depth of flavor as the orzo cooks and absorbs the liquid. You can also substitute vegetable broth or water if needed.
Tips and Substitutions
- Chicken thickness: Thin sliced chicken breasts cook quickly and evenly. If using whole chicken breasts, slice them horizontally and optionally pound to about ¼ inch thick.
- Adjust the spice level: The heat comes from the cayenne in the Cajun seasoning. Reduce the cayenne for a milder dish or add more for extra heat.
- Store-bought Cajun seasoning: You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning instead of the homemade blend. The blend used here is salt-free, while many store-bought versions contain salt, so start with less and adjust to taste.
- Broth or water both work: Chicken broth adds more flavor, but water can also be used. Add additional liquid as the orzo cooks to keep the sauce creamy.
- Milk: I used whole milk for a creamier sauce, but 2%, 1%, or half and half also work. Lower-fat milk will produce a slightly thinner sauce.
- Fresh Parmesan melts best: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and creates the creamiest Alfredo texture.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
See the recipe card below for full instructions and exact amounts.
- Mix the Cajun seasoning blend in a small bowl.
- Cook the seasoned chicken in a large sauté pan until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely tent with foil to keep warm.
- Melt the butter and cook the garlic in the same pan until fragrant.
- Add the orzo and remaining Cajun seasoning and toast briefly in the pan.
- Pour in the broth and milk, then simmer the orzo until creamy and tender.
- Chop the cooked chicken and stir into the pan. Mix in the cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Spoon into bowls and serve with fresh parsley.
Cajun Chicken Orzo FAQs
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning in One Pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo?
Yes. Store-bought Cajun seasoning works well in this recipe, but keep in mind that many blends contain salt. The homemade Cajun seasoning used here is salt-free, so start with less and adjust the salt to taste.
What is orzo and why is it used in One Pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo?
Orzo is a small rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs sauces well. In this recipe it simmers directly in the pan, creating a creamy, risotto-like texture that pairs perfectly with the Cajun chicken and Alfredo sauce.
Can I add vegetables to One Pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo?
Yes. Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers work well in this recipe. Stir them into the orzo while it simmers so they cook in the sauce.
Can I make One Pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo with sausage instead of chicken?
Yes. Brown sliced smoked sausage or andouille sausage in the pan and use it in place of the chicken. Since the sausage is already seasoned, you can omit the Cajun seasoning used to season the chicken.
How spicy is One Pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo?
The spice level depends on how much cayenne is in the Cajun seasoning. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the cayenne in the seasoning blend.
More One Pan Orzo Recipes
One Pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
This one pan orzo recipe is creamy, comforting, and packed with bold Cajun flavor. The chicken, sauce, and orzo all cook in one pan, creating a rich Alfredo-style dish with minimal cleanup.
Equipment
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning Blend
- 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon White Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Cayenne
- ¼ teaspoon Dried Thyme
Chicken
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, thin-sliced
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning Blend, recipe above
Alfredo Orzo
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning Blend, recipe above
- 2 cups Chicken Broth, plus more as needed
- 1½ cups Milk
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, roughly chopped (for serving)
Instructions
- Make the Cajun seasoning: In a small bowl, combine all Cajun seasoning blend ingredients.
- Season and cook the chicken: Toss the chicken with olive oil and about 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning. Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Cook the garlic: In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Toast the orzo: Add the orzo and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring, to lightly toast the pasta.
- Add the liquid and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and the sauce is creamy, about 20–25 minutes, adding additional broth or water as needed.
- Add the chicken and finish the sauce: Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and stir it back into the orzo. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Serve: Spoon the Cajun chicken Alfredo orzo into bowls and top with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Chicken: Thin sliced chicken breasts or chicken cutlets cook most evenly in this recipe. If using thick chicken breasts, slice them horizontally into thinner pieces before cooking.
- Store-bought Cajun seasoning: You can also use store-bought Cajun seasoning. The homemade Cajun seasoning blend used here is salt-free. Store-bought Cajun seasoning often contains salt, so start with less and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Milk: I used whole milk for a creamy sauce. You can also use 2% milk, 1% milk, or half and half. Lower-fat milk will produce a slightly thinner sauce.
- Broth: I used chicken broth, but water or vegetable broth also work well. Broth adds more flavor than water. Keep in mind that the salt level in broth can vary, so season the finished dish with salt and pepper to taste.
- Liquid adjustments: Orzo should stay saucy while cooking. Add additional broth or water as needed while the orzo simmers.
- Orzo cook time: The orzo typically takes 20–25 minutes to become tender and creamy, depending on how much liquid is added and the heat level of the pan.
- Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest Alfredo sauce. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 756kcal, Carbohydrates: 55g, Protein: 55g, Fat: 35g, Saturated Fat: 17g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 170mg, Sodium: 1509mg, Potassium: 1251mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 4433IU, Vitamin C: 11mg, Calcium: 443mg, Iron: 4mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!
This one pan orzo features a homemade Cajun seasoning blend, flavorful chicken, and a creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s SO good. I hope you enjoy!
Made this tonight for my family and it was a HIT!!! I added smoked sausage (browned after the chicken), a sautéed onion, and broccoli. Thank you for sharing!!
I’m so glad your family enjoyed the recipe! Those additions sound delicious as well. Thanks so much for leaving a review!
This meal was just what I needed! I was feeling a little sick and this meal hit the spot. I will say I did add some lemon/lemon zest and to me it made it 10x better but this was an amazing twist on traditional chicken Alfredo. The Cajun seasoning really hit it off! I’ve done multiple of her recipes before and this one might be my favorite🤍
So amazing to hear you loved the recipe! I’m always a fan of adding lemon/lemon zest so that’s a great idea. Thanks for leaving such a nice review!