One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with cheesy orzo pasta and a spicy kick. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it comes together effortlessly in a single 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 seasoned with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, then remove it from the pot and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, then stir in diced bell pepper if using.
4. Step 4: Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked chicken and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot, stirring until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Serve the Cajun chicken Alfredo orzo warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, reduce the Cajun seasoning or omit it entirely.
• Add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish.
• Substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe.
• Include vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
• Use smoked paprika along with Cajun seasoning for a deeper smoky taste.

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 broth or cream to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Just dice them and follow the same cooking steps.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream and use a dairy-free cheese or omit the Parmesan.

One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 507 reviews

This One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, tender orzo pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce all cooked in a single pot for ease and convenience. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it blends spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors with minimal cleanup.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American, Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics

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

Staples and Dairy

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1.5 cups orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and sauté chicken: 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. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
2. Set chicken aside: Remove the browned chicken pieces from the pot and set aside, leaving the flavorful browned bits in the pot.
3. Sauté aromatics and vegetables: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the same pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Then stir in the diced bell pepper if using.
4. Add orzo, broth, and cream: Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
5. Simmer and cook orzo: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Combine chicken and cheese: Stir the cooked chicken back into the pot along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce is creamy and everything is evenly combined.
7. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as desired. Ladle the creamy orzo and chicken mixture into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if you like.

Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning amount to control spiciness.
• Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting.
• Bell pepper is optional but adds sweetness and color.
• Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent orzo from sticking to the pot.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth or cream.

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