Cajun Chicken Orzo – this one-pot chicken breast recipe is packed with flavor and easy to prepare. Deliciously creamy and comforting and one of my favorite midweek meals.
You will also love my Cajun Shrimp Pasta!
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Creamy orzo with chicken and Cajun seasoning… I know, it doesn’t sound all that exciting but this quick one-pot meal is incredibly tasty.
If you are looking to expand your chicken breast recipe repertoire then this is a MUST make. And with the orzo and chicken cooking together in one pot it also cuts down on the washing up. A truly winning chicken dinner!
Here’s What You Will Need
Chicken breasts cut into strips or bite sized pieces. Skinless chicken thighs can also be used, if you like.
Cajun seasoning – this delicious blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, pepper and oregano is always in my spice drawer. It adds depth of flavor and a little bit of spice and can be used in so many ways.
Orzo – this small pasta shape resembles rice or grains of barley. It’s used a lot in Italian and Greek recipes – I grew up eating it and love it! Orzo is best cooked in broth, similar to risotto, for maximum flavor and creaminess. (Check out this Creamy Orzo With Rosemary Browned Butter recipe)
The rest of the ingredients are olive oil, butter, onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, shredded spinach, cream and Parmesan cheese.
How to make Cajun Chicken Orzo
Full measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page. Please take a look at the steps and video before attempting this recipe!
Combine the chicken, Cajun seasoning and salt. Heat the butter and oil in a large pan (a Chef’s pan with a lid is ideal) and pan fry the chicken until it starts to color.
Add the onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook over low heat for five minutes, stirring frequently.
Stir in the orzo, cook for a minute or so then add the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover the pan and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Orzo absorbs liquid readily so keep an eye on the pan and add a little extra water, as needed, if the pan gets too dry.
Uncover the pan and test the orzo – it should be almost tender but with a little bite to it. Stir in the shredded spinach so that it wilts.
Stir in the cream and add the grated Parmesan. You should have a deliciously indulgent creamy dish. Check the seasoning and serve with extra Parmesan cheese.
Storing Leftovers
This creamy Cajun chicken orzo tastes best as soon as cool enough to devour! Leftovers will keep for a couple of days in the fridge.
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and bring to a simmer in a saucepan. Alternatively reheat in a microwave until piping hot, stirring halfway through.
You will also love…
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Cajun Chicken Orzo
Equipment & Tools
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts , cut into small strips
- 1-3 tbsp Cajun seasoning note: if your seasoning is spicy add ½ tbsp
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tbsp butter
- 1 onion , finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- 2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (tomato purée)
- 1 cup (200g) Orzo pasta
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth or stock made with a stock cube
- 1 cup (30g) shredded spinach
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream (double cream)
- 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese , plus extra to serve
Instructions
- Combine the chicken, Cajun seasoning and salt. Heat the butter and oil in a large pan (a Chef’s pan with a lid is ideal) and pan fry the chicken until it starts to color.
- Add the onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook over low heat for five minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the orzo, cook for a minute or so then add the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover the pan and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Orzo absorbs liquid readily so keep an eye on the pan and add a little extra water, as needed, if the pan gets too dry.
- Uncover the pan and test the orzo – it should be almost tender but with a little bite to it. Stir in the shredded spinach so that it wilts.
- Stir in the cream and add the grated Parmesan. You should have a deliciously indulgent creamy dish. Check the seasoning and serve with extra Parmesan cheese.
Video
Notes
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and bring to a simmer in a saucepan. Alternatively reheat in a microwave until piping hot, stirring halfway through.
Allison says
This is so delicious! I love how it uses ingredients that are typically in our kitchen, but I’ve even used regular milk or almond milk if I don’t have cream. Have also used pork tenderloin or any leftover protein diced small, and it’s wonderful every time!
Harold Smith says
My family and I can’t believe how easy and delicious this recipe is.I’m thinking about the next time I make this is to add grilled shrimp on the side.
Rachael says
For our family, the 2tbsp of Cajun seasoning was so spicy. And half of us are Indian and used to high spice! Maybe it’s just the Cajun seasoning I was using was higher in chili powder than the author’s. Next time I’ll use one tbsp and supplement with more garlic and oregano and cumin.
Lucy Parissi says
Hi Rachael I will make a note on the recipe x