Description
A quick and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender orzo pasta enveloped in a creamy Cajun chicken sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 cup diced onions (fresh is best)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup bell pepper (diced, optional)
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Heat the pot: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot, seasoning it with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Aromatics time: In the same pot, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, roughly 2-3 minutes. If using, stir in the diced bell pepper and sauté for another minute.
- Enter orzo and broth: Mix in orzo, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Combine and finish: Stir in the cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese until creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference. Great for meal prep and can be customized with vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Cajun, Chicken, Pasta, Orzo, Quick Dinner, One-Pot Meal