Creamy Cajun-Spiced Chicken Alfredo Orzo Skillet 🍗🌶️🧀✨
Juicy chicken, creamy Alfredo-style sauce, and tender orzo pasta come together in this Cajun-inspired skillet—finished with Parmesan, spinach, and cherry tomatoes for a colorful, comforting dish.
Ingredients 🛒
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions 👩🍳
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in skillet. Add chicken, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and nearly cooked through.
- Add garlic & orzo: Stir in garlic and orzo. Toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
- Simmer: Pour in chicken broth. Simmer 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
- Make creamy base: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, smoked paprika, and butter. Simmer until sauce thickens.
- Add veggies: Fold in spinach and cherry tomatoes. Cook until spinach wilts.
- Finish: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Tips
- Extra indulgence: Add crispy bacon bits for smoky crunch.
- Variation: Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage for a Cajun twist.
- Serving idea: Pair with garlic bread or a crisp side salad.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
- Kcal: ~420 per serving
- Servings: 4
Caption & Engagement
Caption: “Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo Skillet—spicy, cheesy, and comforting 🍗🌶️🧀✨”
- Comment prompt: “Would you make it with chicken or shrimp?”
- Rotating closers: “Save for your next weeknight dinner.” • “Tag a friend who loves Cajun flavors.” • “Creamy sauce, Cajun spice bliss.”