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The Ultimate Guide to One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo

The Ultimate Guide to One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
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A creamy, flavorful one-pot meal combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta. This easy, comforting dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy weekends, offering bold flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Pasta & Broth

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

Aromatics

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wide pot over medium-high heat. Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and sear them until golden brown on both sides but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add butter along with minced garlic and diced onion. Cook until fragrant and translucent, building the flavorful base for the sauce.
  3. Toast the Orzo: Add the dry orzo to the pot and stir for about a minute, allowing it to absorb the butter and garlic flavors, improving texture and taste.
  4. Add Broth and Cook: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and let the orzo cook until tender and most liquid has evaporated, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Once the orzo is cooked, reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky and smooth.
  6. Return Chicken to Pot: Add the seared Cajun chicken back into the pot and cook just long enough to finish cooking the chicken and allow flavors to meld, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Notes

  • Pre-measure Ingredients: Have everything ready before cooking for a smooth and stress-free process.
  • Don’t Overcook Orzo: The orzo should be tender but have a slight bite to avoid mushiness.
  • Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and offers superior flavor.
  • Balance Cajun Seasoning: Adjust spice level to taste during cooking.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit covered for a couple of minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to develop.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, Cajun chicken, Alfredo, orzo, creamy pasta, quick dinner, family-friendly, easy meal, spicy, comfort food

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