Description
The Ultimate Guide to One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces seasoned with bold Cajun spices, tender orzo pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce—all cooked in one pot for easy preparation and cleanup. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers a perfect balance of spicy and creamy flavors that appeal to the entire family and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Spices & Aromatics
- 2–3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta & Liquids
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Dairy
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and generously season with Cajun seasoning. Heat butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken to build flavor.
- Add the orzo and broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth, ensuring the pasta is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender.
- Mix in cream and cheese: Reduce heat to low. Slowly add the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta smoothly.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked Cajun chicken to the pot, mixing everything together. Let it warm through gently for 2-3 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melt and richer flavor.
- Do not overcook the orzo to avoid mushy texture.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to balance spice and creaminess.
- Sear the chicken well to lock in juices and enhance flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken, Alfredo, orzo, one-pot meal, creamy pasta, quick dinner, family-friendly, Cajun seasoning
