Comforting One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
