Cajun Chicken Orzo – This Cajun Chicken Orzo Recipe. Brings together the bold flavors of Cajun-spiced chicken, and creamy orzo. And vibrant vegetables. In one comforting dish. With juicy chicken breast, orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. And a touch of parmesan. This dish is not only satisfying. But also packed with flavor. Making it the perfect main course. For any occasion.
The first time I made this Cajun Chicken Orzo Recipe. My husband and child. Couldn’t stop raving about it. The warm, creamy orzo. Combined with the spiced chicken. And fresh spinach. Created a dish. That felt both indulgent and wholesome. It quickly became a family favorite. Especially on those busy weeknights. When we crave something hearty. Yet easy to prepare. The best part? The leftovers taste even better the next day!
What makes this Cajun Chicken Orzo truly special?
This recipe is a one-pan wonder. That combines the richness of creamy pasta. With the zesty kick of Cajun seasoning. It’s quick enough. For a weeknight dinner. Yet impressive enough for guests. The balance of flavors. From the savory chicken and orzo. To the fresh spinach. And tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Makes this dish a standout. Plus, the orzo absorbs all the delicious juices. Creating a perfectly creamy consistency. That’s hard to resist.
What You Need To Make This Cajun Chicken Orzo Recipe?
Chicken Breasts: Cutting the chicken into small strips. Ensures even cooking. And allows the Cajun seasoning. To coat each piece thoroughly.
Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the amount. Based on your heat tolerance. If your seasoning is extra spicy. Start with ½ tablespoon. And add more if needed.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a subtle sweetness. And a depth of flavor. That complements the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta. That cooks quickly. And absorbs flavors beautifully. Making it perfect for this dish.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness. To balance the richness of the cream. And parmesan.
Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese: These ingredients create a creamy sauce. That brings all the flavors together. In a luxurious way.
Steps To Make Cajun Chicken Orzo:
Step 1: Season the Chicken: Toss the chicken strips. With Cajun seasoning and salt. Until evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken: In a large pan. Heat the butter and olive oil. Over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken. And cook until it begins to color.
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Step 3: Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook over low heat. For about 5 minutes. Stirring often to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Incorporate Orzo: Add the orzo to the pan. Cooking for a minute. To let it absorb some of the flavors. Then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Cover. And let it cook. For about 20 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. And add water if needed.
Step 5: Finish the Dish: Once the orzo is nearly tender. Stir in the shredded spinach to wilt. Then, mix in the cream and grated parmesan. Creating a creamy sauce. Check the seasoning. And adjust if necessary.
Step 6: Serve: Garnish with extra parmesan. And enjoy this comforting. And flavorful meal.
Tip:
For a richer flavor. In this Cajun Chicken Orzo Recipe. Try browning the chicken pieces. Until they develop a slight crust. This adds a deeper, caramelized flavor. To the dish. If you want to keep the orzo from sticking. Stir frequently as it simmers. And adjust the liquid as needed. Adding a splash of chicken broth. If it becomes too thick. Ensures the orzo cooks perfectly. You can also finish the dish. With a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. To balance the richness of the cream. And add a zesty kick.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. While orzo is preferred for its small size. And quick cooking time. You can substitute. With other small pasta shapes like ditalini. Or even rice. For a different texture.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness. Start with a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning. Or use a milder version. You can also omit the red pepper flakes. If using a particularly spicy seasoning blend.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the dish ahead of time. And reheat it. The flavors will develop even more as it sits. Just add a splash of chicken broth. Or water when reheating. To maintain its creamy consistency.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Cajun Chicken Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts sliced into small strips
- 1-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning use ½ tablespoon if your seasoning is particularly spicy
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ tablespoon butter
- 1 finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste or tomato purée
- 1 c 200 grams orzo pasta
- 1 c 240ml chicken broth (or stock made with a stock cube)
- 1 c 30 grams shredded spinach
- ¼ c 60ml heavy cream (or double cream)
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
Instructions
- Mix the chicken. With the Cajun seasoning. And salt. In a large pan. Heat the butter and oil. Over medium heat. Add the chicken. And cook. Until it begins to brown.
- Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stirring everything together. Cook on low heat. For about five minutes. Making sure to stir regularly.
- Incorporate the orzo into the mixture. Cooking for about a minute. Before pouring in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan. And cook for approximately 20 minutes. Stirring often. Since orzo tends to absorb liquid quickly. Keep an eye on it. And add extra water if necessary. To prevent it from drying out.
- Once the orzo is nearly tender. But still slightly firm. Remove the lid. And stir in the shredded spinach. Until it wilts.
- Mix in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Creating a rich, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Then serve with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
