Cajun Chicken Orzo
, Updated Sep 06, 2025
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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 meals for busy weeknights.
You will also love my Cajun Dirty Orzo and reader fave Cajun Shrimp Pasta!
Creamy orzo with chicken and Cajun seasoning… I know, it doesn’t sound all that exciting but this quick one-pot meal is just so 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 dishes. A truly winning chicken dinner!
Best of all, it’s so quick and easy to make that it’s hard to beat when you’re racking your brain for something the whole family will enjoy.
Looking for something to bring to that summer barbecue? Or maybe having friends over for dinner and want something to impress everyone? Then this truly winning chicken dish is just the thing!
Cajun Chicken Orzo Ingredients
- Chicken breasts cut into strips or bite sized pieces. Skinless chicken thighs can also be used, if you like.
- Cajun seasoning – this store-bought spice mix is a delicious blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black 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.
- You may be tempted to throw in more vegetables or handfuls of fresh herbs, but it’s really not necessary – the secret to this dish is its simplicity!
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 sauce, creating a perfectly creamy dish. Check the seasoning and serve with extra Parmesan cheese.
Leftovers and Storage
This creamy Cajun chicken orzo tastes best as soon as cool enough to devour! Leftovers will keep for a couple of days in an airtight container in the fridge.
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and bring to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Alternatively reheat in a microwave until piping hot, stirring halfway through.
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Cajun Chicken Orzo
Video
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 large onion , finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic , 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
- ¼ 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.3 chicken breasts, 1-3 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ tbsp butter
- Add the onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook over low heat for five minutes, stirring frequently.1 large onion, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 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.1 cup (200g) orzo pasta, 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 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.1 cup (30g) shredded spinach
- Stir in the cream and add the grated Parmesan. You should have a deliciously indulgent sauce, creating a perfectly creamy dish. Check the seasoning and serve with extra Parmesan cheese.¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream, 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
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.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is always approximate, and will depend on quality of ingredients and serving sizes.
Excellent! The entire family loved it.
I made this with homemade fajita seasoning and sundried tomato pesto and it was absolutely delicious! There was nothing leftover for lunch tomorrow 🥺
This is amazing I’ve made this a couple times now. I am interested in what the serving size is ? since I am starting to count calories.
The nutrition breakdown is if you divide finished dish into four servings. Check out my slimming recipes for lightened versions of popular recipes ❤️
Super easy to make and good flavor!
Dineer on the table in 45 min – found your recipe. Now had to use what I had in the house. This recipe is a great recipe for a jumping off point. Did’t have sun dried tomatoes but did have sun dried tomato pesto. So instead of cajun, used garlic parm seasoning on chicken, sun dried tomato pesto and the rest the same. Oh yum!
A little spicy for my kids but super easy and delicious family dinner. I’ll try it with 1tbsp Cajun Seasoning though.
Is it 2 tablespoons of cajun seasoning? It was insanely spicy! Had to add lemon juice, oil, and quite a bit more cream to try to bring down the spice level to make it edible. Even then my tobasco loving husband was sweating. Maybe my cajun seasoning mix was just really spicy?
It must have been – generally it’s pretty mild tasting with a bit of heat
Made this tonight with a homemade Cajun seasoning and it was delicious! My husband has already said we should put this into the normal rotation.
Yum! Added some sliced andouille sausage as well. Family loved it. Will be in the regular rotation.
Does anyone know if this freezes well?
Generally pasta dishes with cream do not
Sooo good. Couldn’t stop eating it after I made it, and I’ve been craving it ever since! Shared with multiple friends so they can also enjoy an easy and delicious dinner— the best kind!!