Cajun Chicken Orzo

5 from 1 vote

This Cajun Chicken Orzo is bursting with flavor and is so easy to prepare! Loaded with juicy chicken, veggies, and spicy, creamy orzo, it's perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time10

Cook Time35

Total Time45

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 638kcal

Author: Nataša

Equipment

Large non-stick skillet
measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the cajun chicken orzo

3 boneless chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
Drizzle of olive oil
½ medium onion (diced)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
3 tablespoon sun-dried tomatoes (cut into smaller pieces)
2 tablespoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
3 mini pointed peppers (diced)
1 cup orzo
2 cup chicken broth
1 cup frozen sweet peas
1 teaspoon dry parsley leaves
½ cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

For garnish

Fresh parsley leaves
Parmesan cheese
Red chili pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Add chicken, salt, and Cajun seasoning to a medium-sized bowl. Toss until combined.
Add butter and oil to the skillet and heat until melted. Add chicken and sauté the chicken for 5 minutes on medium-high heat, occasionally mixing.
Add onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, tomato paste, and mini-pointed peppers. Stir to combine. Cook for 3-5 minutes, mixing frequently.
Add orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook on medium-low, with a lid slightly ajar, for 20 minutes. Mix frequently, as the orzo will get stuck to the bottom of the skillet.
Add frozen sweet peas, and dry parsley leaves, and cook for 3-5 minutes.
Add grated parmesan and heavy whipping cream. Stir to combine.
Serve in a bowl, and add more grated parmesan and fresh parsley leaves. Enjoy!

Notes

When substituting dry ingredients for fresh, use a ratio of 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon. For example, when using 1 teaspoon dry vs. 1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves.

Nutrition