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One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo: Quick & Creamy Delight Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 71 reviews

This One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is a quick and creamy comfort dish that combines tender diced chicken with flavorful Cajun spices, creamy Alfredo sauce, and tender orzo pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe brings together a delightful medley of spices and creamy textures in a single skillet for easy cooking and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb diced chicken (can substitute with shrimp or Andouille sausage)

For the Spice Blend

  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust salt and heat levels as preferred)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (regular paprika as a substitute)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

For the Base

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 2 tbsp butter (enhances creaminess; add more if desired)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (yellow or sweet preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (for flavor)

For the Pasta

  • 1 cup orzo pasta (main carbohydrate; other small pasta can be substituted)

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (makes the dish flavorful)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute with half and half for a lighter version)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (preferred)

For the Garnish

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Then remove the chicken and set it aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Toast the Orzo: Add orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine with the aromatics. Toast for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
  4. Simmer the Pasta: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is al dente and most of the broth has been absorbed.
  5. Add Cream and Cheese: Off the heat, gradually stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  6. Combine Chicken and Heat Through: Return the chicken to the skillet and heat through for a minute to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh and vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Substitute chicken with shrimp or Andouille sausage for variation.
  • Adjust the level of heat by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
  • Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture.
  • Make sure to stir frequently after adding liquid to prevent sticking.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta variety.

Keywords: One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo, Cajun chicken recipe, creamy orzo pasta, easy one-pot meals, Cajun seasoning, chicken alfredo with orzo, quick dinner recipes

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/one-pot-cajun-chicken-alfredo-orzo-quick-and-creamy-delight-recipe/