A creamy and spicy blend of chicken, Cajun seasoning, Alfredo sauce, and orzo pasta for a hearty dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (approx. 1 lb)
→ 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 ½ cups orzo pasta (dry)
08 - 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 cup heavy cream
10 - ½ cup milk
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
12 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
14 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
15 - Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Cheeses
16 - ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Garnish
17 - Chopped fresh parsley
18 - Extra Parmesan cheese
# How To Make It:
01 - Combine chicken pieces with half the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same pot, add chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
04 - Stir in orzo pasta, smoked paprika, remaining Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Toast the orzo for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
05 - Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Stir thoroughly, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
06 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
07 - Return cooked chicken to the pot along with spinach if desired. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
