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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning The chicken is the star of this dish. I prefer using boneless and skinless chicken breasts for a great texture. Dicing the chicken allows it to cook quickly and evenly. Orzo pasta is a small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs the flavors well. Cajun seasoning adds a vibrant kick that makes this meal pop. - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped Onions and garlic form a flavorful base. They add depth to the dish. I love using green bell pepper for its crunch. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Spinach brings a nice green touch and healthy nutrients. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste Heavy cream creates a rich and creamy sauce. Chicken broth adds more flavor to the orzo. Grated Parmesan cheese gives a cheesy finish. Adding salt and pepper lets you adjust the taste to your liking. This mix of ingredients makes Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo a delightful meal. Each component brings its own character, making every bite special. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add 1 pound of diced chicken breasts to the skillet. - Sprinkle the chicken with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. - Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes until it is golden brown and fully cooked. This step builds the base flavor. The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick that makes the dish stand out. I love how the chicken gets nice and crispy on the outside. - In the same skillet, add 1 small chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. - Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced green bell pepper. - Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant. - Stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften, about 2 minutes. This phase brings color and texture to the dish. The sweet bell peppers and juicy tomatoes balance the spice from the chicken. You can smell the flavors coming together! - Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir for 1 minute to toast it lightly. - Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine. - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender. - Once tender, return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with 1 cup of chopped spinach. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts. - Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Toasting the orzo adds a nutty flavor. The creaminess from the heavy cream and cheese makes the dish rich. This is where all the magic happens, and it’s hard to resist tasting! - To get the best orzo, cook it until al dente. This means it should be soft but still firm to the bite. - Stir the orzo often while it cooks. This helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking. - Use fresh herbs when you can. They bring a bright flavor to the dish. - If dried herbs are all you have, cut the amount in half. Dried herbs are more potent. - Pair this dish with a simple green salad. A light vinaigrette works well. - A glass of chilled white wine complements the flavors nicely. - For presentation, serve the creamy orzo in bowls. - Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. This adds color and flavor. - Store leftovers in airtight containers. This keeps the dish fresh. - Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. Use them within three days for best taste. - To reheat, use the stovetop if you can. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. - If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir often for even warming. Pro Tips Seasoning Matters: Ensure to generously season your chicken with Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference. Perfect Orzo Texture: Stir the orzo occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet, ensuring a creamy texture. Fresh Spinach Boost: Add the spinach at the end to keep its vibrant color and nutrients intact. You can substitute with kale if preferred. Garnish for Appeal: Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish! It adds a pop of color and freshness that elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. {{image_2}} If you want to mix things up, try different proteins. Shrimp is a great choice. It cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté it like the chicken. Sausage is another tasty option. Use spicy sausage for a kick. Slice it thin and brown it before adding veggies. For a vegetarian meal, skip the meat. Add more vegetables or use chickpeas for added protein. This keeps the dish hearty and filling. You can play with the spices too. Try adding smoked paprika for a deep flavor. Cayenne pepper can add more heat if you like spice. Incorporating more vegetables makes this dish even better. You can add zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn. They all add great texture and flavor. Need a gluten-free option? Look for gluten-free orzo. It cooks just like regular orzo, so no worries there. If you're looking for vegan substitutions, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You can also skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty. To keep your Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo fresh, use airtight containers. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Store it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will last for about three to four days. Ensure the dish is cool before sealing it. This tip keeps the orzo from becoming too mushy. You can freeze this dish for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, place the orzo in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. It’s best to use it within three months for optimal taste. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheating can be tricky, but I have some great methods. For best results, use the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. Heat it over medium-low, stirring often. This keeps your dish from drying out. If using a microwave, cover the bowl to trap steam. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm. This helps maintain the texture. Making Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo takes about 30 minutes in total. You need 15 minutes to prep your ingredients. Cooking will take another 15 minutes. This means you can enjoy a tasty meal in no time! Yes, you can swap out orzo for other pasta types. Try using small shells, fusilli, or penne. Just keep an eye on the cook time, as different pastas may need more or less time to become tender. The spice level of this dish depends on the Cajun seasoning. It has a nice kick but is not overly hot. If you prefer less heat, use less seasoning. Alternatively, add more if you enjoy a stronger flavor! This recipe for Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo brings together simple steps and tasty ingredients. You start with juicy chicken and orzo, mixed with vibrant veggies and rich flavors. Remember to consider the cooking tips and variations that suit your taste. This dish is easy to store and reheat for later. With these tips, you can make it your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure and have fun experimenting in the kitchen!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo

A delicious and creamy dish featuring Cajun seasoned chicken and orzo pasta, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and green bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute to toast it slightly.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream; stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the orzo is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet along with the chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Serve the creamy orzo in bowls garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for added flavor and color.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, orzo, pasta