February 2, 2026
One Pan Cajun-Inspired Tofu and Alfredo Orzo
This One Pan Cajun-Inspired Tofu Alfredo and Orzo is where cozy meets craveable! Crispy Cajun-spiced tofu gets folded into creamy vegan Alfredo-style orzo with tender broccoli, garlic, and just the right amount of heat. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is made with simple, affordable ingredients. Best of all, cleanup is minimal!
Table of Contents
why you’ll love this recipe jump to recipe video step-by-step instructions tips and faqs more easy one-pan recipesOne Pan Cajun-Inspired Tofu and Alfredo Orzo
When I was young, I loved ordering Cajun Alfredo whenever we went out to eat. Seriously…if I saw Cajun Alfredo on any menu, I would order it. Living in a Filipino household, my family didn’t cook a lot of American-style comfort food at home, so dishes like Cajun Alfredo felt like a huge treat. This One Pan Cajun-Inspired Tofu and Orzo is inspired by the countless plates of Cajun Alfredo I scarfed down as a kid. It’s creamy, bold, and comforting, but made plant-based, weeknight-friendly, and easy enough to pull together in one pan!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan. Minimal cleanup!
- Creamy and comforting with a Cajun-inspired kick!
- Budget-friendly ingredients you can find at many grocery stores.
- Plant-based and dairy free, but still 100% satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Crisp the Tofu:
Place the tofu cubes in a large bowl and toss with the cornstarch and 2 teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Next, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and pan-fry the tofu, flipping occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Orzo:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the pan. Once the butter is melted, add the onion and cook until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Then, add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Next, add the orzo and season with the remaining teaspoon Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika and garlic powder. Toast the orzo, stirring often, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the orzo turn a light gold. Pour in the broth, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring every few minutes, until the liquid has cooked out and the orzo is mostly tender, 7 to 10 minutes.
3. Add the Cream, Broccoli, and Parmesan:
Stir in the cream, parmesan and broccoli florets, cover and simmer until the mixture has thickened and the parmesan has melted throughout, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the tofu back into the pan, tossing to combine.
4. Adjust Seasonings and ENJOY!
Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and FAQs
- Use super firm tofu: for the crispiest texture without pressing.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning: depending on salt and spice level.
- Cut broccoli small: so it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Stir frequently: while simmering to prevent sticking.
Is this One Pan Cajun-Inspired Tofu Alfredo and Orzo spicy?
It has a mild-to-moderate heat depending on your Cajun seasoning. If buying store-bought Cajun seasoning, make sure you don’t get anything labeled “spicy” if you are sensitive. You can also make your own Cajun seasoning blend (there are tons of recipes online!), and adjust heat to your preferences.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Of course! Just swap the orzo for a gluten-free orzo or small gluten-free pasta. Everything else used in this recipe is already naturally gluten-free! Please keep in mind that cooking times may vary if using a different type of pasta.
Can I use a different vegetable?
Of course! The great thing about this One Pan Cajun-Inspired Tofu Alfredo and Orzo is that it’s pretty customizable! Swap the broccoli for spinach, bell peppers, or kale … or whatever you have laying in your fridge!
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
It is! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Love This Recipe? Here Are More Easy One Pan Recipes to Try!
One Pan. Big Comfort!
This One Pan Cajun-Inspired Tofu Alfredo and Orzo is proof that cozy, indulgent meals don’t have to be complicated. With bold flavor, creamy texture, and just one pan to clean, it’s a recipe you’ll want in your regular rotation … especially on busy nights when comfort is non-negotiable!
If you give this recipe a try and enjoy it, I wanna know! Snap a photo, take a video, or make a story and post it to Instagram or TikTok, and tag me at @eat_figs_not_pigs and #EatFigsNotPigs. I love seeing your recreations of my recipes! xx!
One Pan Cajun-Inspired Tofu Alfredo and Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce block of super firm tofu, cubed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves fresh minced garlic
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ½ cups vegan chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup vegan heavy cream
- ½ cup vegan parmesan, plus more for garnish, optional
- 4 cups diced broccoli florets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- To prepare the tofu, place the cubes in a large bowl and toss with the cornstarch and 2 teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and pan-fry the tofu, flipping occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the pan.
- Once the butter is melted, add the onion and cook until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Next, add the orzo and season with the remaining teaspoon Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika and garlic powder.
- Toast the orzo, stirring often, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the orzo turn a light gold.
- Pour in the broth, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring every few minutes, until the liquid has cooked out and the orzo is mostly tender, 7 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in the cream, parmesan and broccoli florets, cover and simmer until the mixture has thickened and the parmesan has melted throughout, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the tofu back into the pan, tossing to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
This was so delicious! Let this be your sign to make this! ~Kinda~ reminiscent of those Knorr cheese & broccoli side dishes BUT this is 1000000000000 times more fancier, elevated, and flavorful! So insanely yummy!!!!! Can’t wait to remake this for future dinners ♡ Thanks for always providing my family with such amazing meals all these years! ☆☆☆☆☆
OMG so funny you mentioned the Knorr cheese and broccoli side dish because I used to LOVE those!!!