Description
One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is a flavor-packed weeknight meal that combines Cajun spices with creamy Alfredo and orzo pasta.
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1–2 cup water, as needed
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Make the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine all the Cajun seasoning ingredients and mix them well.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Coat the cubed chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning blend. Let it sit for 30 minutes, if time allows.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large, high-rimmed pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside, covered with foil.
4. Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Cook the Orzo: Pour in the milk and chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the uncooked orzo and Cajun seasoning to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir often and add water as needed, about 1/2 cup at a time, until the orzo is tender and creamy, which should take about 20 minutes.
6. Combine the Ingredients: Cut the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces and add it back to the orzo. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For gluten-free options, consider using gluten-free pasta or dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg