Cajun Chicken Orzo

why make this recipe

Cajun Chicken Orzo offers a delightful blend of flavors with a touch of spice. It’s easy to prepare and packed with protein, making it a great choice for a busy weeknight dinner. The creamy sauce combined with the Cajun seasoning gives it a unique taste that everyone will love. Plus, it all cooks in one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze!

how to make Cajun Chicken Orzo

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil
• Parsley for garnish

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper, sautéing until softened.
3. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Garnish with parsley before serving.

how to serve Cajun Chicken Orzo

Serve Cajun Chicken Orzo hot and garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch. It pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread. This dish is satisfying on its own but also makes for a great meal prep option.

how to store Cajun Chicken Orzo

Let any leftovers cool down before putting them in an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

tips to make Cajun Chicken Orzo

• Make sure to cook the chicken until it’s fully browned for better flavor.
• You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
• If the dish is too thick after cooking, adding a little more chicken broth or cream can help.

variation

You can add other vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. For a different protein, try shrimp or sausage instead of chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with any small pasta like ditalini or even rice if you prefer.

2. Is this dish spicy?
The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. You can adjust the amount to your taste.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Cajun Chicken Orzo

Cajun Chicken Orzo is a delightful and easy one-pot dish, packed with flavor and protein, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Cajun, Southern

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced Make sure the chicken is fully browned for better flavor.
• 1 cup orzo pasta Can substitute with any small pasta or rice.
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped You can add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
• 1 cup chicken broth Add more if the dish is too thick after cooking.
• 1 cup heavy cream Can use more if needed for consistency.
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust amount to suit your spice preference.
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil For cooking the chicken and vegetables.
• Parsley for garnish Fresh parsley adds a nice touch.

Method

 

Cooking

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper, sautéing until softened.
3. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley. Pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread. Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.