Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is great for this dish because it cooks quickly and stays tender. If you prefer, you can swap it for chicken thighs for more flavor or use shrimp for a delicious seafood twist.

Cajun Seasoning: This blend adds a warm, spicy kick! If you don’t have it, you can make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. Adjust the heat to your liking.

Orzo: Orzo pasta is perfect because it absorbs flavors well and has a nice bite. If you can’t find it, you might substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.

Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives the sauce its rich creaminess. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, or substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?

Cooking the chicken pieces well is crucial to the dish’s flavor. Here’s how to do it right:

• Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps create a nice sear.
• Cook the chicken without moving it too much for the first few minutes, ensuring it gets a good golden color.
• Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe.
• Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking to keep it juicy before adding it back to the dish.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure your chicken is deliciously juicy and well-seasoned in your Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo dish!

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious dish will take approximately 30-35 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and around 20-25 minutes cooking everything together in one skillet. So, it’s both quick and easy!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Seasoning the Chicken:

Start by taking your bite-sized chicken pieces and placing them in a bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the chicken, along with some salt and black pepper. Mix well to ensure every piece is seasoned nicely.

2. Searing the Chicken:

Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

3. Cooking the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the finely chopped red bell pepper and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, or until the bell pepper has softened and the garlic is fragrant. This step brings out the lovely flavors!

4. Adding the Orzo:

Add the orzo to the skillet and stir it well with the bell pepper and garlic. Let it cook for about 1 minute so the pasta absorbs some of those delightful flavors.

5. Simmering:

Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.

6. Making the Creamy Sauce:

Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Allow everything to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired!

7. Final Touch:

Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Your Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is ready to be served! Enjoy this creamy, spicy dish while it’s warm and comforting. It’s perfect for any dinner occasion!

Can I Use Other Types of Pasta Instead of Orzo?

Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even use farro or quinoa for a different texture. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly if necessary.

What Can I Do If My Sauce Is Too Thick?

If your sauce ends up thicker than desired, simply add a little more chicken broth or a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up. Stir well and heat it gently until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?

You can! Cook the dish up to the point of combining in the cream and cheese, then cool and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just reheat it slowly over low heat and add a little bit of broth or cream to help revive the sauce.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth to help maintain creaminess and moisture.