Name: One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb Chicken (can be swapped for shrimp); 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (adjust to your heat preference); 1 cup Heavy Cream (half-and-half can lighten the texture); 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated for best flavor); 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (adjust based on taste); 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (use sparingly if sensitive to spice); 1 cup Orzo Pasta (can substitute with other small pasta types); 3 cups Chicken Broth (use low-sodium for better control over salt); 1 medium Onion, chopped; 3 cloves Garlic, minced; 2 tbsp Butter (used for searing); 2 tbsp Olive Oil (can use olive oil alone for dairy-free option); 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Chicken (can be swapped for shrimp)
2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (adjust to your heat preference)
1 cup Heavy Cream (half-and-half can lighten the texture)
1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
1 tsp Smoked Paprika (adjust based on taste)
1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (use sparingly if sensitive to spice)
1 cup Orzo Pasta (can substitute with other small pasta types)
3 cups Chicken Broth (use low-sodium for better control over salt)
1 medium Onion, chopped
3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tbsp Butter (used for searing)
2 tbsp Olive Oil (can use olive oil alone for dairy-free option)
2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Sear Chicken: Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, then heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Build Flavor Base: In the same skillet, add a bit of olive oil if needed and sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Toast Orzo: Add dry orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the orzo is lightly toasted and emits a nutty aroma.
Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and an additional pinch of Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Creamy Sauce: Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
Combine: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, stirring gently until heated through and coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.

Author: lily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: PASTA
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun