This One Pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo was GOOD.
In February 2022, I created an Orzo Recipe Series on TikTok where I created 8 new orzo recipes during the month of February. It was definitely a fan favorite! In honor of the 1 year anniversary of this series, I am creating a February Orzo Series Part 2!
One Pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo Recipe Details
This alfredo orzo is the first recipe in my new Orzo Series. This recipe is extremely creamy, flavorful, and gets a delicious kick from the homemade Cajun seasoning blend. I love one pan recipes because it minimizes dishes and all of the flavors will blend together in one pan. The fond left behind from cooking the Cajun chicken first will mix into the creamy Cajun alfredo sauce.
If you don’t have time to marinate the chicken, just toss the chicken in oil and the Cajun seasoning and start cooking right away. I think marinating adds extra flavor, but it isn’t absolutely necessary if you’re short on time.
Recipe Ingredients
Seasoning Blend
- 1/2 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp each of Garlic Powder and Salt
- 1/2 tsp each of Black Pepper, White Pepper, Onion Powder, Dried Oregano, and Cayenne
- 1/4 tsp Dried Thyme
Chicken
- 1 lb Thin Chicken Breast
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil additional as needed to cook chicken
Orzo
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1.5 cups Milk I used 2% milk
- 1 cup Chicken Broth can use water
- Water as needed (about 1-2 cups)
- 1 cup Orzo uncooked
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley roughly chopped to serve
Recipe Instructions
Seasoning Blend
- In a small bowl, combine all Cajun Seasoning Blend ingredients.
Chicken
- Marinate the chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken, about 1 tbsp of olive oil or enough to coat the chicken, and about 1 tbsp of the Cajun seasoning blend or enough to coat the chicken. Let the chicken sit for about 30 minutes.
Orzo
- Heat a large high-rimmed sauté pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil then add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes a side, or until cooked through. Set aside on a plate. Tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the milk and chicken broth. Scrape up any stuck bits on the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Add the uncooked orzo and cajun seasoning to taste. Bring to a boil then lower the heat to a simmer. Stir often and add water as needed, about 1/2 cup at a time. You want the orzo to be quite saucy and look creamy. It will take about 20 minutes for the orzo to cook.
- Cut the set aside chicken into bite size pieces then add it back to the orzo. Stir to combine.
- Lower the heat. Add the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir to combine well.
- Serve immediately with fresh parsley as desired.
Did you try this One Pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo? Leave a Review!
This recipe is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that your whole family will love! If you try this recipe, feel free to rate/leave a review. You can also tag me on Instagram or TikTok!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you may enjoy these recipes as well:
One Pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning Blend
- 1/2 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp White Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne
- 1/4 tsp Dried Thyme
Cajun Chicken
- 1 lb Thin Chicken Breast
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil additional as needed to cook chicken
Cajun Alfredo Orzo
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1.5 cups Milk I used 2% milk
- 1 cup Chicken Broth can use water
- 1-2 cups Water use as needed
- 1 cup Orzo uncooked
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley roughly chopped to serve
Instructions
Cajun Seasoning Blend
- In a small bowl, combine all Cajun Seasoning Blend ingredients.
Cajun Chicken
- Marinate the chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken, about 1 tbsp of olive oil or enough to coat the chicken, and about 1 tbsp of the Cajun seasoning blend or enough to coat the chicken. Let the chicken sit for about 30 minutes.
Cajun Alfredo Orzo
- Heat a large high-rimmed sauté pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil then add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes a side, or until cooked through. Set aside on a plate. Tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the milk and chicken broth. Scrape up any stuck bits on the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Add the uncooked orzo and cajun seasoning to taste. Bring to a boil then lower the heat to a simmer. Stir often and add water as needed, about 1/2 cup at a time. You want the orzo to be quite saucy and look creamy. It will take about 20 minutes for the orzo to cook.
- Cut the set aside chicken into bite size pieces then add it back to the orzo. Stir to combine.
- Lower the heat. Add the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir to combine well.
- Serve immediately with fresh parsley as desired.
Video
@carolbeecooks February Orzo Series (pt 2): One Pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo đ„” Starting off the month strong. This one was GOOD #orzo #orzotok #cajunchicken #chickenalfredo #onepot
⏠original sound – Carolyn | Easy Recipes
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