Comforting One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Comforting One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, fragrant Cajun spices, and cheesy orzo, it’s an easy meal that feels indulgent yet comes together in one pot.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 cup diced onions (fresh is best)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1.5 cups orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, then add the diced chicken.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Remove the browned chicken and set aside, leaving the flavorful bits in the pot.
4. Step 4: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the diced bell pepper if using.
5. Step 5: Mix in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
7. Step 7: Stir in the cooked chicken and grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Step 8: Serve the orzo mixture warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
• Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it lighter or vegetarian-friendly by substituting chicken with mushrooms or plant-based protein.
• Add a handful of spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for added greens.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well, but cooking times may vary. Adjust the liquid accordingly to keep the dish creamy.

Is it okay to prepare this ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead, but it’s best to cook the orzo just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Comforting One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 127 reviews

This comforting one-pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, sautéed vegetables, and orzo pasta cooked in a rich Alfredo sauce. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s the perfect easy weeknight meal with a spicy kick and cheesy finish.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced

Seasonings and Oil

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Vegetables

• 1 cup diced onions (fresh is best)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)

Pasta and Liquids

• 1.5 cups orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Dairy

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Garnish

• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, preparing the pot for sautéing the chicken.
2. Sauté the Chicken: Add 1 lb of diced chicken to the pot, seasoning it with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken pieces are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Set Aside Chicken: Remove the browned chicken from the pot and set it aside, leaving behind the flavorful bits cooked onto the bottom of the pot.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add 1 cup diced onions and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes. Then stir in 1 cup diced bell pepper if using and cook for another minute to combine flavors.
5. Add Pasta and Liquids: Mix in 1.5 cups of orzo pasta, 4 cups of chicken broth, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
6. Simmer Orzo: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the orzo simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the liquid.
7. Finish the Dish: Stir the cooked chicken and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy orzo until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the warm orzo and chicken mixture into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can adjust the spice level by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your taste.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• For added veggies, consider adding sliced mushrooms or spinach during the vegetable sauté step.
• Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother melting texture.
• This dish can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Keywords: Cajun chicken, Alfredo sauce, orzo pasta, one-pot meal, creamy pasta dish, easy dinner, weeknight recipe