Description
Spicy Cajun chicken orzo brings Southern comfort with a fiery kick straight from Louisiana’s heart. Creamy pasta mingles with bold spices, creating a mouthwatering one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless (skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)
Pasta and Starches:
- 2 cups orzo pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional):
- Green onions
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Craft a zesty Cajun spice blend by meticulously combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, tailoring the heat intensity to personal preference.
- Heat olive oil in a robust skillet at medium-high temperature, generously coating chicken pieces with half the prepared Cajun seasoning. Sear until achieving a golden-brown exterior and thoroughly cooked interior, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a holding plate.
- Utilize the same skillet, replenishing oil if necessary. Gently sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery until they become translucent and tender, roughly 5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute to unleash aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate remaining Cajun seasoning with orzo, allowing grains to toast briefly. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow contents to meld for 10-12 minutes. Periodically stir to ensure even cooking and prevent orzo from sticking, continuing until pasta reaches desired tenderness and liquid reduces.
- Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, warming through for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in freshly chopped parsley, tasting and adjusting seasonings as needed.
- Plate the dish, garnishing with sliced green onions and a vibrant lemon juice splash for an extra flavor dimension. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Customize the spice blend by adjusting cayenne pepper levels for personal heat preference.
- Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives for vegetarian diets.
- Use gluten-free orzo or quinoa to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown exterior and crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg