One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo: Flavor in Every Bite
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is a delightful blend of creamy Alfredo sauce and spicy Cajun chicken, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it promises flavor in every bite!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 diced yellow onion
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut into uniform 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle with half of the Cajun seasoning.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and cook for about 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir in the uncooked orzo pasta.
- Return the seared chicken to the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Once the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Don't overcook the orzo; check for doneness around the 10-minute mark. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Adjust spice levels to your preference and consider adding more veggies for extra nutrition.