Description
One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dinner that combines Cajun-seasoned chicken, Alfredo sauce, and tender orzo in a simple, one-pot dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon butter, divided
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
1. Season the chicken by tossing the pieces with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
2. Sear the chicken by heating the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate.
3. Sauté the aromatics by reducing the heat to medium and adding the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Cook the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
4. Toast the orzo by stirring the dry orzo into the skillet and cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Simmer by pouring in the chicken broth and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Make it Alfredo by reducing the heat to low and stirring in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
7. Finish by returning the cooked chicken to the skillet and stirring to combine. Heat through, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
To achieve creamy perfection, cook the orzo until al dente and gradually stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan.
Adjust spice level by starting with a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning and gradually increasing it.
Don’t overcook the orzo; remove it from heat once tender but still has a slight bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg