Creamy Cajun Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Craving a dish that’s creamy, spicy, and absolutely mouthwatering? Look no further than this Creamy Cajun Chicken and Orzo recipe!

This one-pan meal is loaded with tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a rich, creamy sauce with just the right amount of Cajun spice. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers big on flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Orzo

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the orzo simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

1. Add the Cream: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
2. Season the Sauce: If you like an extra kick, add an additional teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Orzo

1. Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy orzo. Stir to combine everything, making sure the chicken is coated with the sauce.
2. Simmer: Let the dish simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish with chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Enjoy: Serve the Creamy Cajun Chicken and Orzo hot, straight from the skillet. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a simple green salad.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A side of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans make a great, healthy addition to this meal.

Beverage Pairings

• White Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, spicy flavors.
• Iced Tea: A glass of iced tea with a hint of lemon is a refreshing, non-alcoholic option.
• Beer: A light lager pairs well with the spicy Cajun seasoning.

Tips for Success

Perfectly Cooked Chicken

• Even Pieces: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid steaming and ensure a nice sear.

Creamy, Flavorful Orzo

• Toast the Orzo: Toasting the orzo before adding the liquid adds a nutty flavor and helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
• Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the additional teaspoon in the sauce.

Customizing the Recipe

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Swap the Protein: You can easily swap chicken for shrimp or sausage to change up the dish.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken and Orzo is a delicious, one-pan meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. With its bold flavors, creamy sauce, and satisfying texture, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is a winner every time.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even rice.

Is this dish spicy?

The level of spice can be adjusted to your preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less Cajun seasoning and add more to taste.

Can I freeze leftovers?

While the dish can be frozen, the cream sauce may change texture when thawed. For best results, enjoy the dish fresh or store leftovers in the refrigerator.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

Yield: 4

Creamy Cajun Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Print

Craving a dish that’s creamy, spicy, and absolutely mouthwatering? Look no further than this Creamy Cajun Chicken and Orzo recipe! This one-pan meal is loaded with tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a rich, creamy sauce with just the right amount of Cajun spice. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers big on flavor.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Orzo:
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season and Cook the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning until well coated.
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Orzo:
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
   Stir in the orzo pasta, ensuring it is well coated with the vegetables and any remaining oil in the skillet.
   Pour in the chicken broth, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
   
3. Make it Creamy:
   Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
   
4. Combine and Serve:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the orzo and sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
   
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve the creamy Cajun chicken and orzo hot, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Notes

Cajun Seasoning: You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning depending on your spice preference. Store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning can be used.

Orzo: If you prefer, you can substitute orzo with another small pasta like ditalini or small shells, but cooking times may vary.

Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.

Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a side of steamed green beans, a fresh salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.