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A close-up shot of a spoonful of creamy chicken orzo pasta, showing the tender chicken pieces and rich sauce.
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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning use more or less to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta uncooked
  • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes undrained, fire-roasted recommended
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Knife

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add the dry orzo to the skillet. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to toast it lightly.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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