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–+ servings
Spicy Cajun Chicken Orzo

Easy Spicy Cajun Chicken Orzo for a Cozy Dinner Night

This Spicy Cajun Chicken Orzo is a delicious one-pot meal, combining tender chicken and creamy orzo for a satisfying dinner option.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for enhanced flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning adjust to your heat preference
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil can be substituted with canola or avocado oil
For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter can use salted butter for more flavor
  • 1 medium yellow onion or shallots for a milder taste
  • 3 cloves garlic fresh is preferred over powdered
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers as a substitute
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
For the Pasta
  • 1 cup orzo pasta can substitute with any small pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth vegetable broth works for vegetarian option
For the Creamy Finish
  • 2 cups shredded spinach or kale/Swiss chard as alternatives
  • 1 cup heavy cream coconut milk for dairy-free option
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese aged cheese or nutritional yeast for dairy-free

Equipment

  • skillet
  • Pot
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Coat chicken strips in olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and salt. Sear in a skillet over medium-high for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside, keeping drippings in the pan.
  2. Lower heat, add unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté yellow onion for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste; stir for 1 minute.
  3. Add orzo to skillet, toasting for 2-3 minutes until golden. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Fold in spinach and return chicken, mixing until spinach wilts and chicken warms. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning to achieve your desired heat level. Mix in veggies for added nutrition and color.

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