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Cajun Chicken Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews

This Cajun Chicken Orzo recipe combines tender strips of spiced chicken with creamy orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting, flavorful meal that is easy to prepare in one pan on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 3 chicken breasts, cut into small strips
  • 1–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (reduce to ½ tbsp if seasoning is spicy)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tbsp butter

Vegetables and Flavorings

  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste (tomato purée)

Pasta and Liquids

  • 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth or stock
  • 1 cup (30g) shredded spinach
  • ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (double cream)

Cheese

  • 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve

Instructions

  1. Season and Cook Chicken: Combine the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and salt. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, preferably a Chef’s pan with a lid. Pan fry the chicken until it begins to brown and develop color.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pan. Stir to combine and cook over low heat for about five minutes while stirring frequently to soften and blend the flavors.
  3. Add Orzo and Simmer: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for one minute. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for approximately 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Watch closely as orzo absorbs liquid quickly; add additional water if the mixture dries out too much during cooking.
  4. Add Spinach: Remove the lid and check the orzo’s texture; it should be almost tender but still have a slight bite. Stir in the shredded spinach, allowing it to wilt into the mixture.
  5. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to create a rich, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the dish hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on your preference for spice; start with less if unsure.
  • Use a large pan with a lid to ensure even cooking and prevent orzo from drying out.
  • Keep an eye on orzo while simmering as it requires liquid adjustments.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, though this will change the texture.
  • Extra Parmesan cheese adds a nice garnish and enhances flavor when serving.

Keywords: Cajun Chicken, Orzo Pasta, Creamy Pasta, One-Pan Meal, Cajun Seasoning, Chicken Dinner, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://spiceupwithsophie.com/cajun-chicken-orzo-recipe/