One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
A creamy and flavorful dish combining Cajun spices with orzo pasta, all cooked in one pot for ultimate convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Chicken (diced; shrimp or Andouille sausage can be substitutes)
- 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 medium Onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta
- 2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken and Cajun seasoning, cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Toss in the chopped onion, garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo, allowing it to toast for a minute with the other ingredients.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For added depth, marinate the chicken in seasoning for an hour before cooking. This dish is versatile; feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.