Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Cajun Chicken Orzo is the ultimate comfort food, blending spicy, savory flavors with a luxuriously creamy sauce, all cooked together in a single pan. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen. If you’re looking for a dish that packs a flavorful punch without a mountain of dishes, you’ve found it. This recipe is designed for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on taste.
Why This Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a complete meal that satisfies on every level. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and seared, the orzo soaks up all the incredible flavors of the garlic, veggies, and broth, and a touch of cream and Parmesan brings it all together in a rich, velvety sauce. It’s the kind of meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, the one-pan method means cleanup is an absolute breeze. It’s a perfect addition to your dinner rotation, just like our popular Cowboy Butter Chicken recipe.
The Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cajun Chicken Orzo
The magic of this dish comes from a handful of well-chosen ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.
For the Chicken and Seasoning:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Cajun Seasoning: A bold blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs. Use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own!
Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation of our dish.
Bell Pepper: We’re using a red bell pepper for a touch of sweetness and color.
Chicken Broth: This will be the primary cooking liquid for the orzo.
Heavy Cream: The secret to an ultra-creamy, luscious sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds a salty, nutty flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: A can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes adds depth and a subtle smokiness.
The magic happens all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
How to Make Cajun Chicken Orzo: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a stunning one-pan meal. This process is designed to build layers of flavor from start to finish.
Season and Sear the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until they are evenly coated. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Toast the Orzo: Add the dry orzo to the skillet and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes. Toasting the orzo brings out its nutty flavor and helps it cook more evenly.
Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Make It Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it warm through for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
A few simple tips can elevate your Cajun Chicken Orzo from great to absolutely unforgettable.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, cook it in batches if necessary to ensure it gets a nice brown crust.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. Grating your own ensures the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Control the Spice: Cajun seasoning blends vary in heat. Taste yours first and adjust the amount based on your preference. You can always add more cayenne pepper for an extra kick. For another spicy favorite, try our Fiery Chicken Ramen.
Every bite is packed with creamy, spicy, and savory goodness.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking!
Add Sausage: For an extra layer of flavor, add sliced andouille or chorizo sausage when you sear the chicken.
More Veggies: Stir in some spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking.
Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
What to Serve with Your Orzo
This Cajun Chicken Orzo is a hearty meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the sauce. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside some crusty garlic bread or our simple Butter Swim Biscuits to soak up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the leftover orzo and stir gently until warmed through. This will help restore its creamy consistency.
Orzo is a type of pasta, not rice, although its small, rice-like shape can be deceiving. It’s made from durum wheat semolina and is commonly used in soups, salads, and creamy pasta dishes like this one.
Absolutely! To control the heat, use a mild Cajun seasoning blend or simply reduce the amount called for in the recipe. You can also add a little more cream or a pinch of sugar to balance the spice.
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat canned coconut milk is a great option that adds a lovely richness.
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the regular orzo with a gluten-free orzo variety, which is available in most large grocery stores or online.
Yes, shrimp is a fantastic addition! Add raw, peeled shrimp during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, stirring them into the orzo until they are pink and opaque. You can use them instead of or in addition to the chicken.
Share Your Creation!
We are absolutely thrilled for you to try this creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo recipe. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that we’re sure you’ll make again and again. If you do make it, don’t forget to leave a comment below and share a picture with us on Pinterest. We can’t wait to see your delicious results!
One pan, 40 minutes, and a whole lot of flavor! This Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo is your new weeknight hero.
Cajun Chicken Orzo Recipe
FL Recipes
Cajun Chicken Orzo: A Creamy, One-Pan Weeknight Dream
This Cajun Chicken Orzo is the ultimate one-pan comfort food, blending spicy, savory flavors with a luxuriously creamy sauce. A restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly easy to make for a perfect weeknight dinner.
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add the dry orzo to the skillet. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to toast it lightly.
Pour in the chicken broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, until orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir to combine and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 650kcalProtein: 40gFat: 30gFiber: 5g
Notes
For extra spice: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning. Make it heartier: Add 1/2 cup of sliced andouille sausage with the chicken for a smokier flavor. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keyword cajun chicken orzo,creamy chicken orzo,one pan dinner
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
