Hey there! It’s Callie here, and today I’m thrilled to share with you a delightful recipe: Cajun Chicken Orzo. This dish perfectly blends the aromatic spices of Cajun seasoning with the comforting texture of orzo pasta. You won’t believe how quickly it comes together, making it a fantastic option for those bustling weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, it packs a punch in flavor without requiring a ton of fancy ingredients—something any home cook (like myself!) can appreciate.
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, where I’m convinced the slow cooker does some sort of magic. Now, let’s dive into what makes this Cajun Chicken Orzo so special!
Why you’ll love this recipe
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy evenings. Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your household:
- Quick and Easy: In just 40 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready to go!
- Minimal Clean-Up: It’s all done in one pan, sparing you from mountains of dirty dishes.
- Family-Friendly: Even my pickiest eater devoured this without complaint.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of Cajun seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan is just chef’s kiss.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts
- 1-3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tbsp butter
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (30g) shredded spinach
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Step-by-step instructions
Preparing the chicken
First, combine the chicken, Cajun seasoning, and salt in a bowl. Trust me, you’ll want to coat the chicken well to ensure every bite is flavorful. Next, heat the butter and oil in a large pan. Add the chicken and let it sizzle and sear until it starts to take on a lovely golden hue.
Building the base
Add onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste into your pan. Stir to combine all those wonderful flavors. Turning down the heat a little, let them mingle together for about five minutes—remember to stir frequently. This step perfumes your kitchen in the most incredible way!
Cooking the orzo
Now, stir in the orzo and let it cook for just a minute. This step is crucial for getting that slightly nutty flavor. Pour in the chicken broth, bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan. Give it about 20 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
Final touches
Uncover and test the orzo—it should be just al dente. Add the shredded spinach to wilt, then stir in the cream and sprinkle with Parmesan. Taste to see if it needs any more seasoning. And voilà, get ready for a comforting and warm embrace of flavors!
Recipe tips & variations
- Adjust the Spice Level: Reduce the Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor or dial it up if your family can handle the heat.
- Add Veggies: Mushrooms or bell peppers can add delicious depth and stretch the meal further.
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap chicken with chickpeas or your favorite meat substitute, and use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.
Storage & reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply zap it in the microwave or warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if necessary. (Though, to be honest, it rarely lasts that long in my house!)
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Absolutely! Any small pasta will work well with this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times.
- Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
- You can try coconut milk, which adds a lovely twist, or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- How can I make it dairy-free?
- Swap out the butter and Parmesan with non-dairy alternatives.
- What’s the best way to chop sun-dried tomatoes?
- Use kitchen scissors for an easy, mess-free chop.
Recipes you may like
- Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo for Cozy Nights
- Ground Chicken Recipes
- Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
I hope you and your family enjoy this delicious Cajun Chicken Orzo recipe as much as mine does. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out for you in the comments. Happy cooking!
Print
Cajun Chicken Orzo
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delightful Cajun Chicken Orzo recipe that combines aromatic spices and orzo pasta.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts
- 1–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (30g) shredded spinach
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Combine the chicken, Cajun seasoning, and salt in a bowl. Heat the butter and oil in a large pan. Add the chicken and let it sizzle until golden.
- Add onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste into the pan. Stir and let it cook for about five minutes.
- Stir in the orzo and let it cook for a minute. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cover. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Uncover, test the orzo, then add the shredded spinach, cream, and Parmesan. Stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by modifying the Cajun seasoning.
- Add veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for variety.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with chickpeas and using veggie broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg