Cajun Chicken Orzo

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breast: Diced chicken breast is ideal for this recipe. If you want, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option. For a meat-free dish, try substituting chickpeas or tofu.

Cajun Seasoning: This adds a great kick! If you don’t have it on hand, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a similar flavor. Experiment with the spices based on your heat preference!

Orzo Pasta: Orzo gives a nice texture, but feel free to swap it with other small pasta shapes like couscous or ditalini if you prefer something different.

Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, switch to half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option. This will still give your dish a creamy finish without the extra calories.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor, but you can use Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative to cheese flavor.

How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked?

Cooking chicken just right can be tricky, but here’s a simple guide! Start by making sure your chicken pieces are evenly diced for even cooking. You want to cook them until they’re brown and cooked through without drying out.

• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the seasoned chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden.
• Use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) internally. This ensures it’s juicy and safe to eat!
• Let it rest a bit after cooking to keep it tender before adding it back to the dish.

How to Make Cajun Chicken Orzo

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 2 cups orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe will take you about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing and seasoning the chicken, and about 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken:

Start by placing the diced chicken breast in a bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Mix everything well until the chicken is evenly coated in the spices. This will give your dish a great flavor!

2. Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. This step enhances the sweetness of the veggies.

4. Add Garlic:

Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook it for about 1 minute until you can smell its delicious scent. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

5. Toast the Orzo:

Stir in the orzo pasta and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring often. This will lightly toast the orzo and enhance its flavor before adding the liquid.

6. Cook the Orzo:

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

7. Combine Everything:

Next, stir in the cooked chicken, fresh spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook this mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.

8. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:

Give your dish a taste! You can add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. This is your chance to make it just right for you!

9. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your warm Cajun Chicken Orzo in bowls, and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish!

Can I Use Other Types of Pasta Instead of Orzo?

Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, rice-shaped pasta, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pastas may require adjustments.

What If I Can’t Find Cajun Seasoning?

No worries! You can make your own Cajun seasoning at home using a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, and black pepper. Adjust the spice level to your liking!

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it looks dry.

Can I Make This Dish Without Heavy Cream?

Yes, you can! If you’re looking to lighten it up, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. You can also use a plant-based cream if you prefer! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to allow for any differences in texture.