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One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo

One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo: Creamy Comfort in Minutes

Discover the One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo with rich flavors and creamy comfort in minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Tender and juicy; can substitute with shrimp
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil For searing the chicken; can substitute with butter
For the Aromatics
  • 1 cup Diced onions Enhances flavor; can substitute with shallots
  • 2 cloves Minced garlic Elevates flavor; garlic powder can work too
  • 1 cup Bell pepper Optional; can swap with zucchini or broccoli
For the Pasta
  • 1 cup Orzo pasta Quick cooking; can substitute with another pasta
For the Sauce
  • 3 cups Chicken broth Depth-enhancing; can use vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Creates creamy sauce; can use half-and-half
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Adds creaminess; nutritional yeast for vegan
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper Essential for seasoning
For the Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley Optional; for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by dicing boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and sear them for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add the diced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and aromatic. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and, if desired, a chopped bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pot, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente.
  4. Once the orzo is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Fold in the seared chicken to coat in the creamy sauce. Optionally, chop fresh parsley for garnish and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.

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