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Cajun Chicken Orzo Recipe

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3.9 from 1 review

A flavorful and creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo recipe featuring tender chicken breast strips seasoned with Cajun spices, cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and onion, then simmered with orzo pasta in chicken broth, finished with spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese for a rich and satisfying one-pan meal.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 3 chicken breasts, cut into small strips
  • 1-3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (use ½ tbsp if your seasoning is 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)

Pasta and Liquid

  • 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 Cook Chicken: Combine the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and salt. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pan (a Chef’s pan with lid recommended) over medium heat, then pan-fry the chicken pieces until they begin to brown and develop color.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pan. Stir to combine and cook gently over low heat for about five minutes, stirring frequently to release flavors.
  3. Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook it for about one minute, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pan, and cook for approximately 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Monitor the liquid level and add extra water if the pan becomes too dry, as orzo absorbs liquid readily.
  4. Incorporate Spinach: Remove the lid and check that the orzo is almost tender but still has a slight bite. Stir in the shredded spinach, allowing it to wilt evenly into the dish.
  5. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and indulgent sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the Cajun Chicken Orzo hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level to keep the dish balanced.
  • Keep a close eye on the orzo as it cooks; adding extra water or broth will prevent sticking and ensure a creamy texture.
  • Using a pan with a lid is ideal for even cooking and simmering of the orzo.
  • For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/cajun-chicken-orzo-recipe/