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Cajun Chicken Orzo

Creamy Cajun chicken orzo is a one pan dinner made with tender chicken, soft orzo pasta, and a rich Cajun spiced cream sauce. It is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for quick weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast diced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook chicken with seasoning until golden, then set aside
  2. Sauté onion and bell pepper until soft
  3. Add garlic and cook briefly
  4. Toast orzo in the same pan
  5. Add chicken broth and simmer until pasta is tender
  6. Stir in heavy cream and cook until creamy
  7. Add chicken back and mix well
  8. Finish with Parmesan and parsley

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest and creamiest sauce. Pre shredded cheese may not melt as evenly.
  • Cut the chicken into similar sized pieces so it cooks evenly and stays tender.
  • Stir the orzo often while simmering. Orzo cooks quickly and can stick to the bottom of the pan if left unattended.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to fit your preferred spice level. Start with less if serving children or anyone sensitive to heat.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of warm chicken broth or cream before serving.
  • For a lighter version, use half and half instead of heavy cream. The sauce will be thinner but still flavorful.
  • Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or sun dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. Stir delicate vegetables in during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast for a richer and juicier result.
  • Taste before serving and adjust salt if needed. Different Cajun seasonings can vary in saltiness.