Tender chicken simmered with Cajun spices, creamy Alfredo sauce, and orzo for an easy, flavorful meal.
# Components:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
→ Pantry
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
08 - 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 cup heavy cream
10 - 1/2 cup milk
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
15 - Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Cheeses
16 - 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Garnish
17 - Chopped fresh parsley
18 - Extra Parmesan cheese
# Method:
01 - Combine chicken pieces with half of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper; mix thoroughly.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add chicken and sauté until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
03 - In the same pot, add onion and red bell pepper; cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook an additional 1 minute.
04 - Stir in orzo pasta, smoked paprika, remaining Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper if using. Toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
05 - Pour chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk into the pot; mix well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
06 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally until orzo becomes tender and most liquid is absorbed.
07 - Return cooked chicken to the pot. Add spinach if desired and stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy.
08 - Taste and modify seasoning as needed. If sauce is too thick, add small amounts of milk or broth to reach preferred consistency.
09 - Dish the creamy Cajun chicken Alfredo orzo into serving bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
