Comforting One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
A quick and satisfying one-pot meal combining Cajun seasoning and creamy Alfredo sauce with orzo pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 diced bell pepper (optional)
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the diced chicken seasoned with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside, leaving the flavorful bits in the pot.
- In the same pot, sauté 1 cup of diced onions and 2 minced garlic cloves for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup of diced bell pepper if you’re using it.
- Mix in 1.5 cups of orzo, followed by 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle the warm orzo mixture into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
For added nutrition, you can substitute different vegetables like spinach or zucchini. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.