Irresistibly Easy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo Delight
This One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dish that brings comfort and family together around the dinner table.
Equipment
- large pot
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts Substitute with diced turkey or tofu for versatility.
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste or swap with Creole seasoning.
- 1 tbsp olive oil Vegetable oil can be used if preferred.
For the Aromatics
- 1 cup diced onions Shallots work well for a milder flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic Minced, or you can use garlic powder.
- 1 cup bell pepper Diced, optional; zucchini makes a great low-carb substitute.
For the Base
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta Other small pasta shapes work too.
- 4 cups chicken broth Switch to vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
- 1 cup heavy cream Coconut milk or cashew cream for lighter options.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese Grated; nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley For garnish, optional.
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add 1 lb diced chicken seasoned with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes); then remove and set aside for later.
- In the same pot, sauté 1 cup diced onions (and optional bell pepper) with 2 minced garlic cloves until fragrant (2-3 minutes).
- Stir in 1.5 cups orzo, 4 cups chicken broth, and 1 cup heavy cream; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender.
- Reinstate the cooked chicken and stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan until everything is creamy and well-combined.
- Ladle into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley for a lovely finishing touch.
Notes
Optional: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for an extra spicy kick!