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One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo

One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo You’ll Crave Again!

A creamy, bold-flavored One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo that you will love.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Can be substituted with shrimp.
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Adjust according to heat preference.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Can substitute with vegetable oil.
For the Aromatics
  • 1 cup diced onions Yellow onions work best for sweetness.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced garlic preferred.
  • 1 bell pepper diced (optional) Any variety can be used or skipped.
For the Orzo Dish
  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta Other small pasta types can be used.
  • 4 cups chicken broth Low-sodium broth is an option.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Pecorino Romano is a suitable substitute.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Adjust according to preference.
For Garnish
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Cilantro can also be an option.

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by dicing the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them generously with Cajun seasoning. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and sear for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside, leaving the juices for the next steps.
  2. In the same pot, lower the heat to medium and add the diced onions. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic and (if using) diced bell pepper to the pot. Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and aromatic.
  3. Stir in 1 ½ cups of orzo pasta along with 4 cups of chicken broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat and slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  5. Gently fold the seared chicken back into the pot, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, prep your ingredients in advance. Store leftovers properly to maintain freshness. Adjust spice levels according to preference.

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