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Cajun Chicken Orzo
Cajun Chicken Orzo – this one-pot chicken breast recipe is packed with flavor and easy to prepare. Deliciously creamy and comforting and one of my favorite meals for busy weeknights.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 433 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts , cut into small strips
- 1-3 tbsp Cajun Seasoning Note: if your seasoning is spicy add ½ tbsp
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tbsp butter
- 1 onion , finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- 2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (tomato purée)
- 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth or stock made with a stock cube
- 1 cup (30g) shredded spinach
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream (double cream)
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese , plus extra to serve
Instructions
- Combine the chicken, Cajun seasoning and salt. Heat the butter and oil in a large pan (a Chef’s pan with a lid is ideal) and pan fry the chicken until it starts to color.
- Add the onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook over low heat for five minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the orzo, cook for a minute or so then add the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover the pan and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Orzo absorbs liquid readily so keep an eye on the pan and add a little extra water, as needed, if the pan gets too dry.
- Uncover the pan and test the orzo – it should be almost tender but with a little bite to it. Stir in the shredded spinach so that it wilts.
- Stir in the cream and add the grated Parmesan. You should have a deliciously indulgent sauce, creating a perfectly creamy dish. Check the seasoning and serve with extra Parmesan cheese.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- This creamy Cajun chicken orzo tastes best as soon as cool enough to devour! Leftovers will keep for a couple of days in the fridge. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and bring to a simmer in a saucepan. Alternatively reheat in a microwave until piping hot, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition Information
Calories
433kcal
(22%)
Carbohydrates
37g
(12%)
Protein
45g
(90%)
Fat
11g
(17%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
Trans Fat
0.1g
Cholesterol
116mg
(39%)
Sodium
920mg
(38%)
Potassium
1038mg
(30%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
1776IU
(36%)
Vitamin C
9mg
(10%)
Calcium
80mg
(8%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 433
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 433kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 45g | 90% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 116mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 920mg | 38% |
| Potassium | 1038mg | 22% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1776IU | 36% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 80mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.