Comforting One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo Recipe
Introduction
Discover the rich, creamy flavors of this One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo—a comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes. With a perfect balance of bold spices and smooth creaminess, this dish is ideal for a quick dinner that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
- 1 ½ 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
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced chicken, season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside, leaving the flavorful bits in the pot.
- Step 3: In the same pot, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and soft, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the diced bell pepper if using.
- Step 4: Add the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Step 5: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Step 6: Stir the cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese into the pot until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Step 7: Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and better browning.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level according to your preference.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach the desired creaminess.
- To add more heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
- Dairy-free option: substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and use dairy-free cheese.
- Gluten-free option: use gluten-free orzo pasta.
- Vegetarian variation: replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore the creamy texture. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
How do I store One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo?
Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow it to cool before sealing to maintain freshness and safety.
Can I freeze One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container, leave room for expansion, and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
PrintComforting One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo Recipe
A quick and comforting one-pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo that perfectly blends bold Cajun spices with creamy Alfredo sauce, ready in just 30 minutes. This dish features tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and orzo pasta simmered in a rich, cheesy sauce, delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Comfort Food
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
Spices and Oils
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced onions (fresh is best)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced bell pepper (optional; red or green)
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, preparing the pan for cooking the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Add 1 lb diced chicken breasts to the pot. Season with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, leaving the flavorful browned bits in the pot for added depth.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add 1 cup diced onions and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and soft, about 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in 1 cup diced bell pepper if using.
- Add Orzo and Liquids: Mix in 1 ½ cups orzo pasta, 4 cups chicken broth, and 1 cup heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Combine and Finish: Stir the cooked chicken back into the pot and add 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and all ingredients are well combined. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For more heat, add red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- If sauce is too thick, stir in extra chicken broth to loosen.
- Use fresh onions and garlic for maximum flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pot to ensure even cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain creaminess.
Keywords: Cajun chicken alfredo, one-pot meal, creamy orzo, quick dinner, Cajun seasoning, comfort food
