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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) Gather these ingredients to make a tasty dish. The chicken gives protein. The orzo adds a nice bite. Cajun seasoning brings heat and flavor. Cream makes it rich and smooth. You can add veggies for color and taste. Use fresh parsley for a pop of green. Parmesan cheese is a great optional touch too. First, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, season the cubed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. This mix adds a great kick! Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. This step builds a nice base for flavor. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. The garlic will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Now, add the orzo pasta to your sautéed mixture. Stir well to coat the orzo with the oil and veggies. Pour in two cups of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Once the orzo is cooked, it’s time to make it creamy! Stir in one cup of heavy cream and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix everything well and let it cook for an extra 2-3 minutes until heated through. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture of your dish! To ensure your orzo is cooked perfectly, follow these steps: - Use a large skillet for even cooking. - Stir the orzo often while it simmers. - Check orzo after 10 minutes. It should be tender but still firm. If you want to adjust the creaminess, here are some ideas: - Start with less cream and add more as needed. - You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish. - For more flavor, add a splash of chicken broth instead of cream. For seasoning adjustments, consider these tips: - Add more Cajun seasoning for extra heat. - Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. - Taste as you go to find the right balance. For garnishing ideas, try: - Chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. - A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for richness. - Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness right before serving. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, try shrimp or sausage. Both options add unique flavors and pair well with Cajun spices. Shrimp cooks quickly, while sausage adds a nice bite. For those who need gluten-free options, use gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer a great taste and texture. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy meal. You can change the spice level to fit your taste. If you like it mild, use less Cajun seasoning. For a spicy kick, add more seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adding greens or other vegetables can enhance the dish. Spinach or kale works well. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds color and nutrition to your plate. To keep your One-Pan Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers both work well. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This meal lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating, the best method is to use the stove. Place the orzo in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir often to prevent sticking. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Check and stir every 30 seconds to avoid hot spots. Always ensure leftovers reach 165°F to be safe to eat. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use other pasta types like penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Smaller pasta cooks faster, while larger shapes may need more time. How can I make this dish spicier? To add heat, use more Cajun seasoning. You can also add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Taste as you go to find the right spice level for you. Is this dish healthy? One-Pan Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo can be a balanced meal. It has protein from chicken and carbs from orzo. The dish includes veggies, which add vitamins and minerals. Breakdown of calories and macros per serving Each serving has about 450 calories, 20 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbs, and 25 grams of fat. These values may vary based on the specific ingredients used. What to serve with One-Pan Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo? This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Ideas for side dishes and beverages Consider a simple Caesar salad or garlic bread as sides. For drinks, try iced tea or a light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. In this post, we explored how to make a creamy Cajun chicken orzo dish. We covered essential ingredients like chicken, orzo, and Cajun seasoning. You learned step-by-step cooking methods, helpful tips, and ways to customize the recipe. This dish is not only tasty but also simple to prepare. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s perfect for any meal. Enjoy making this recipe and feel free to get creative!

One-Pan Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo

Discover the ultimate one-pan creamy Cajun chicken orzo recipe that's easy to make and bursting with flavor! This delicious dish combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and creamy orzo for a perfect weeknight dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Click through now to explore this tasty recipe and bring a dash of Cajun flair to your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

1 cup orzo pasta

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

    Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

      Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and stir to coat it in the olive oil and vegetable mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

        Make it Creamy: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and cherry tomatoes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing everything well. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

          Serve: Remove from heat and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4