Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo is a bold, one-pan dinner packed with juicy seasoned chicken, tender orzo, spinach, and a rich, comforting sauce—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into small strips
- 1–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 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
- 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded spinach
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
Instructions
- Combine chicken with Cajun seasoning and salt.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly golden.
- Add onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the orzo and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes. Stir frequently and add a splash of water if needed.
- Once orzo is nearly tender, stir in the spinach until wilted.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve with extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning based on spice preference.
- Add extra broth if the orzo absorbs too much liquid.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Great with shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg