why make this recipe
Comfort food is always a hit, and this One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is no exception! It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful spices all in one pot for a delicious meal. Plus, it’s quick to make—around 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave something hearty and satisfying.
how to make Comforting One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo in Just 30 Minutes
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)
Directions:
- Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the browned chicken and set it aside, leaving flavorful bits in the pot.
- In the same pot, add 1 cup of diced onions and 2 minced cloves of garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, then stir in 1 cup of diced bell pepper, if using.
- Mix in 1.5 cups of orzo pasta, 4 cups of chicken broth, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle the warm orzo mixture into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
how to serve Comforting One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
Serve this dish hot in deep bowls. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and a dash of Cajun seasoning on top for added flavor.
how to store Comforting One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in a pot on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy.
tips to make Comforting One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
- Taste before serving to adjust the seasoning.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer to control the salt content.
- For extra creaminess, consider adding a little more heavy cream or Parmesan cheese.
- Don’t skip the fresh parsley for garnish—it adds a nice touch and a bit of freshness.
variation
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, or zucchini. For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or use a spicier Cajun seasoning blend.
FAQs
1. Can I use something other than chicken?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
2. Is orzo pasta gluten-free?
No, traditional orzo pasta is made from wheat. However, you can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or other gluten-free grains.
3. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano for a similar flavor profile.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. Cook the dish on the day you plan to serve it for the best taste and texture.
5. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
Ingredients
Main 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
Preparation
- Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the browned chicken and set it aside, leaving flavorful bits in the pot.
- 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.
- Mix in orzo pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving
- Ladle the warm orzo mixture into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
