One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
This comforting dish combines the rich flavors of Cajun spices with creamy Alfredo sauce and tender orzo pasta, all cooked in one pot for a hassle-free meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced May substitute with other proteins
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning Adjust according to spice preference
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth Homemade broth adds depth
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter option use low-fat cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Can be substituted with a lighter cheese
- 1 small bell pepper, diced Adds color and flavor
- 1 small onion, diced
For Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For serving
For the Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta Can substitute with other small pasta shapes
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken breast, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and diced onion. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Cooking
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the orzo pasta to the pot and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
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Notes
Pair with a crisp green salad or crusty bread to create a complete meal. Consider adding spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.