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Cajun Chicken Orzo
Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo is an easy weeknight meal. This creamy dish comes together in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 472 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning divided
- 1 small white onion
- 2 bell peppers diced
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups dried orzo pasta one pound box
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 4 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients. Dice the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Grate the Parmesan cheese. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken pieces. Stir in one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and cook for 1-2 minutes more. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for a few minutes. Add the minced garlic and the orzo to the pan and stir for 2-3 minutes to toast the orzo.
- Add the chicken stock and pieces to the pan and bring them to a low simmer. Reduce to medium heat, and let the orzo simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until almost all the chicken stock is absorbed. Stir it frequently.
- Add the half-and-half. Cook another few minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is al dente. If it is still not cooked enough, add a little extra water or chicken stock.
- Reduce to low heat, and stir in the fresh-grated Parmesan cheese and spinach.
- Taste the orzo and finish seasoning to taste. Add additional Cajun seasoning if desired. Add salt if needed. Some cajun seasoning blends already contain salt, so you may not need any.
- Garnish with some fresh parsley, and serve!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- When cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, cut it uniformly so it cooks evenly.
- Start with a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and add extra to the finished dish after tasting it. It is easy to add more, but impossible to remove if you are overly generous.
- Orzo is a great pasta shape for one-pot meals because it cooks quickly. You can substitute another small pasta shape, like elbows. Check the pasta package and adjust the cooking time if needed.
- When reheating, a splash of water or a dab of butter will bring back the creamy texture. Just warm it over low heat and stir until it's just right.
Nutrition Information
Calories
472kcal
(24%)
Carbohydrates
50g
(17%)
Protein
31g
(62%)
Fat
16g
(25%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
7g
Trans Fat
0.01g
Cholesterol
72mg
(24%)
Sodium
827mg
(34%)
Potassium
851mg
(24%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
8g
(16%)
Vitamin A
4398IU
(88%)
Vitamin C
59mg
(66%)
Calcium
193mg
(19%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 472
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 472kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 827mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 851mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 4398IU | 88% |
| Vitamin C | 59mg | 66% |
| Calcium | 193mg | 19% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.