Description
This Cajun Chicken Orzo is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dish combining tender bite-sized chicken pieces with creamy orzo pasta, sautéed vegetables, and a spicy Cajun seasoning blend. Rich with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream, this comforting meal is perfect for weeknights and gathers with family. Finished with fresh parsley and optional garnishes of green onions and lemon, it brings a balanced kick of spice and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Pantry Items & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (about 14.5 oz)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Green onions, sliced
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Cajun seasoning: If making your own Cajun seasoning, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust the spice level as you prefer.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season half of the Cajun seasoning onto the chicken pieces. Cook the chicken in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Add diced onion, chopped red bell pepper, and sliced celery. Cook until vegetables are softened, approximately 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Create the base: Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and the orzo pasta. Toast the orzo with the vegetables and spices for about 1 minute. Then pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish the dish: Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet to heat through for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in fresh chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, spicy Cajun chicken orzo.
Notes
- You can make your own Cajun seasoning for a fresher flavor or use a store-bought blend for convenience.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- If orzo is unavailable, small pasta such as acini di pepe or even couscous can be used as substitutes.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed green vegetables or a crisp green salad.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity in the Cajun seasoning to control the heat level.
