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Cajun Chicken Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 120 reviews

A flavorful and creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo recipe featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken breasts, toasted orzo pasta simmered in savory chicken broth with diced tomatoes, and finished with rich heavy cream. Garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 cup orzo
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Toss the diced chicken breasts thoroughly with the Cajun seasoning to ensure every piece is well coated with the spices, enhancing flavor and adding a spicy kick.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir and toast the orzo for about 1 minute until it becomes lightly golden and fragrant, which enhances its nutty flavor.
  4. Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Simmer the Orzo: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream into the orzo mixture, allowing it to heat through and create a rich, creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh finish, and serve warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the dish will be less rich.
  • For added vegetables, consider stirring in chopped bell peppers or spinach alongside the tomatoes.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt content if desired.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Ensure orzo is toasted before simmering to enhance flavor and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Keywords: Cajun chicken, orzo pasta, creamy pasta, one-pan meal, Cajun seasoning, quick dinner, comfort food

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