Cajun Chicken Orzo Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare and Season Chicken: Combine the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and salt to evenly coat the pieces with flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, indulgent sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- 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
Find it online: https://savorandsimmer.com/cajun-chicken-orzo-recipe/
