Comforting One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo in Just 30 Minutes Recipe
This comforting one-pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo combines tender diced chicken breast seasoned with Cajun spices, sautéed onions, garlic, and optional bell peppers, all simmered together with orzo pasta in a rich mixture of chicken broth and creamy Alfredo sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a hearty, flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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
- 1 cup diced onions (fresh is best)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)
Orzo and Sauce
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Other
- 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté chicken: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb of diced chicken breast seasoned with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove chicken: Take the browned chicken out of the pot and set aside, leaving the flavorful bits in the pot for added depth.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, add 1 cup diced onions and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Then stir in 1 cup diced bell pepper if using and cook briefly to soften.
- Add orzo and liquids: Pour in 1.5 cups orzo pasta, 4 cups chicken broth, and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the orzo: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine chicken and cheese: Stir the cooked chicken back into the pot along with 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the creamy Cajun chicken Alfredo orzo into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Enjoy this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a delightful meal.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- Bell peppers are optional but add a nice sweetness and color.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but expect a less thick sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Keywords: Cajun chicken, Alfredo orzo, one-pot meal, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy stovetop recipe, comfort food
