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One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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