Cajun Chicken Orzo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup and easy cooking.
• Bold Cajun Flavors – A smoky, spicy kick that enhances every bite.
• Creamy and Comforting – Heavy cream and Parmesan add a luscious texture.
• Nutritious and Satisfying – Packed with protein, leafy greens, and wholesome pasta.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil
• Butter
• Chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
• Cajun seasoning
• Salt
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Tomato paste
• Orzo pasta
• Chicken broth
• Shredded spinach
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Sear the Chicken – Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and salt, and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics – In the same pan, add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for another minute.
3. Cook the Orzo – Add the orzo pasta and stir to coat with the flavors. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Combine Everything – Stir in the shredded spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
5. Serve – Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Make It Spicier – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning.
• Vegetable Boost – Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for more nutrition.
• Protein Swap – Use shrimp, sausage, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Dairy-Free Option – Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and use dairy-free cheese.
• Low-Carb Version – Replace orzo with cauliflower rice (adjust cooking liquid accordingly).

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain texture.
• Freezing – Not recommended due to the creamy sauce, which may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild to medium heat level, depending on the Cajun seasoning used. You can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing seasoning.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While orzo works best, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can be used.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but the orzo may absorb more liquid over time. Add a little extra broth or cream when reheating.

What can I serve with Cajun Chicken Orzo?

It pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, and black pepper.

How do I make this dish lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan cheese.

Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sauté the chicken first, then add ingredients, pressure cook for 5 minutes, and stir in the cream and cheese afterward.

Does this dish freeze well?

Not really. The creamy sauce can separate when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

You can substitute fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables or a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu.

Conclusion

Cajun Chicken Orzo is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together creamy textures and bold Cajun spices in a satisfying one-pot meal. Perfect for a quick and hearty dinner, this dish is easy to customize and sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort!

Cajun Chicken Orzo

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Cajun Chicken Orzo is a flavorful one-pot dish that combines tender chicken breast pieces with orzo pasta, all infused with the bold spices of Cajun seasoning. This creamy and comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying blend of protein and carbohydrates in every bite.

 

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One-Pot Cooking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1½ cups orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded spinach
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

• In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt.
• Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it starts to brown.
• Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pan. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Incorporate the orzo into the mixture, stirring to coat the pasta. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then cover the pan. Cook for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a bit more water or broth as needed.
• Once the orzo is al dente, stir in the shredded spinach until wilted.
• Reduce the heat to low, then mix in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the dish achieves a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
• Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, consider adding extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.