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Cajun Chicken Orzo Recipe

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3.8 from 12 reviews

A creamy and flavorful Cajun Chicken Orzo dish that combines tender chicken strips seasoned with Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan sauce, all cooked together in one pan for a comforting and easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

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

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth (or stock made with a stock cube)
  • 1 cup (30g) shredded spinach

Finishing Ingredients

  • ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (double cream)
  • 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve

Instructions

  1. Prepare the 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 a lid is ideal) and pan-fry the chicken until it starts to color, about 4-5 minutes.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pan. Stir to combine and cook over low heat for five minutes, stirring frequently to meld the flavors and soften the vegetables.
  3. Cook the orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for about one minute to toast slightly. Then add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Since orzo absorbs liquid quickly, monitor the pan and add a little extra water if it appears too dry.
  4. Add spinach: Uncover the pan and test the orzo; it should be almost tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Stir in the shredded spinach so it wilts evenly into the dish.
  5. Finish the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to form a rich, creamy sauce. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Adjust Cajun seasoning amount according to your spice tolerance, starting with less if unsure.
  • Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks; add extra broth or water if it gets too dry to prevent burning.
  • Use a pan with a lid to help cook the orzo evenly and retain moisture.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream option.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

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