Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo is a delightful, one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken, rich Cajun spices, and creamy orzo pasta in just 30 minutes. This versatile dish is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, offering a comforting blend of flavors and a satisfying texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. With minimal cleanup required, this recipe makes cooking effortless while delivering an irresistible taste experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus extra for seasoning)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 shallot (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Fresh thyme and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Coat chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown; ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and cover with foil.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add butter, orzo, onion, shallot, and additional Cajun seasoning. Sauté until onions are translucent.
- Pour in chicken broth, increase heat to medium, and cook for about 7 minutes until orzo absorbs some liquid.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Return chicken to the pan; let it rest for about 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and lemon wedges before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 770mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg