Comforting One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo in Just 30 Minutes
Creamy, spicy, and soul-warming, this quick one-pot Cajun chicken orzo is perfect for busy weeknights and packed with bold Southern flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meals
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: American, Cajun-Inspired
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
1 cup diced onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
1.5 cups orzo pasta
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced chicken, season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté until golden and cooked through (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add bell peppers, if using.
Stir in orzo, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
Return chicken to the pot. Stir in Parmesan until creamy and combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Adjust Cajun seasoning depending on your spice preference.
You can swap orzo for other small pasta shapes, but cooking times may vary.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
This dish thickens as it sits — add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
