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Cajun Chicken Orzo

A one-pot meal featuring tender chicken pieces with creamy orzo pasta and bold Cajun spices that creates restaurant-quality flavors for busy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken pieces dry and toss with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
  2. In the same pot, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften and smell fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning, cooking for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Add orzo pasta to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the pasta until lightly browned.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  5. Stir in heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and cooked chicken. Let everything warm through for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Dice vegetables and season chicken the night before for quicker cooking. Don't skip patting chicken dry before seasoning. Avoid high heat with cream to prevent separation. Stir orzo occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking. Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with splash of broth or cream.