Description
A bold and creamy one-pan Cajun Chicken Orzo recipe packed with smoky spices, tender chicken, and a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup baby spinach (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet.
- Add onion and bell pepper, sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
- Pour in the orzo and stir to coat with flavors.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir until cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy.
- Fold in fresh parsley and spinach (if using), allowing greens to wilt slightly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk for cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
- Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or corn.
- Spicier Version: Increase Cajun seasoning or add hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta One-pan orzo recipe Spicy chicken orzo Creamy Cajun pasta Easy weeknight dinner