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.
This was so delicious and easy to make! I love the cooking instructions you have included the ingredients and the amount to use in each step so you do not have to go back up top to see how much is needed!
Thank you so much Erin, that’s lovely to hear and very much appreciated!
This was sooooo delicious! The only change I made was using coconut whipping cream alternative. You definitely taste the coconut but I still loved it!
First time making this and it won’t be the last ! Quick and easy to make and we loved it ! Thanks for the recipe
Thanks so much Lorraine, that’s lovely to hear and very much appreciated!
I’ve made this meal a few times. It’s quite yummy! I make a minor adjustment adding coconut milk in place of hvy whipping cream.
Will def make again!
One of my favorite dishes, delicious! I triple the sundried tomatoes and extra spinach.
This was delicious! I did have to double the amount of chicken broth but it was DELICIOUS!
Very good 🙂 I had spinach yesterday, so I replaced it by pre-cooked broccoli
Pretty good! One other thought is to throw in some chopped pepperoni to give it an extra bite
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This is so delicious 😋.I put bit of milk instead of cream because I didn’t have any cream and it was still yummy ,thank you for this recipe:)
Very easy and tasty recipe! I know you said no added veggies but I had extra corn so I tossed it in and I must say it was very nice~
One thing I might say is if you use julienne sundried tomato’s I recommend chopping them to smaller pieces so it’s not as jarring.