Description
How to make creamy one-pot Cajun chicken alfredo orzo with tender chicken and aromatic spices that delivers comfort in every single bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Base
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cajun Seasoning Blend
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta & Liquid
- 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Mix all Cajun seasonings in a small bowl. Toss chicken pieces with the spice blend until evenly coated. Let it sit while you prep other ingredients.
- Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
- Add Orzo: Pour in orzo and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 12-15 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Create Sauce: Remove from heat and slowly stir in heavy cream. Add the cooked chicken back to the pot along with any accumulated juices for extra flavor.
- Finish Dish: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Let rest 2-3 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.
Notes
- Don’t add cream while the pot is still on heat or it will curdle and break.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but add it more slowly and carefully.
- Adjust spice level by reducing or omitting cayenne pepper to taste.
- Toast orzo in oil before adding liquid for extra nutty flavor depth.
- Add a splash of broth when reheating to restore creamy texture.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g