Cajun Chicken Orzo Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish that brings a touch of Louisiana spice to your dinner table. Tender chicken strips and sun-dried tomatoes mingle with orzo pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal that feels special without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts, cut into small strips
• 1–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (if your seasoning is spicy, start with 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

1. Step 1: Combine the chicken, Cajun seasoning, and salt in a bowl. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pan (a Chef’s pan with a lid works best) over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and pan-fry until they start to brown.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pan. Stir everything together and cook over low heat for about five minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring often. Watch the liquid level as orzo absorbs it quickly; add a little water if the pan becomes too dry.
4. Step 4: Remove the lid and check the orzo. It should be tender with a slight bite. Add the shredded spinach and stir until it wilts.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Stir well to create a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer less heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning or choose a milder blend.
• Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier texture.
• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, fresh finish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells work well, but cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust liquid amounts accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dish up to the point before adding cream and Parmesan. When ready to serve, reheat and stir in the cream and cheese for best texture and flavor.

Cajun Chicken Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 100 reviews

This Cajun Chicken Orzo is a flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken strips seasoned with Cajun spices, sautéed with garlic, onion, and sun-dried tomatoes, then simmered with orzo pasta in chicken broth. Finished with spinach, cream, and Parmesan cheese, this creamy and spicy dish delivers rich, comforting flavors perfect for a satisfying dinner.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 3 chicken breasts, cut into small strips
• 1–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (reduce to ½ tbsp if seasoning is very spicy)
• 1 tsp salt

Cooking Base

• 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)

Orzo and Liquids

• 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth or stock made with a stock cube

Finishing Ingredients

• 1 cup (30g) shredded spinach
• ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (double cream)
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve

Instructions

1. Prepare and Season Chicken: Combine the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and salt to evenly coat the pieces with flavor.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pan (preferably a Chef’s pan with a lid) over medium heat. Pan-fry the seasoned chicken strips until they start to develop color and are partially cooked through.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pan. Stir to combine and cook over low heat for about five minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions soften and the flavors meld.
4. Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for approximately one minute to toast slightly. Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pan with a lid.
5. Simmer the Orzo: Cook covered for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Monitor the liquid absorption as orzo cooks rapidly; add extra water if the mixture becomes too dry before the pasta is tender.
6. Wilt Spinach: Remove the lid and check the orzo – it should be almost tender but with a slight bite. Stir in the shredded spinach to allow it to wilt into the mixture.
7. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, indulgent sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken orzo hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• If your Cajun seasoning is particularly spicy, start with ½ tablespoon and adjust to your heat preference.
• Keep an eye on the orzo while simmering as it absorbs liquid quickly; add water if it looks dry before fully cooked.
• Using a pan with a lid helps control the simmering process and cooks the orzo evenly.
• For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit cream entirely.
• Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Cajun chicken, orzo pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one-pan meal, spicy chicken, comfort food