Description
A warm, creamy pasta dish featuring Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, and orzo, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 cup diced onions (fresh is best)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup bell pepper (diced, optional)
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the diced chicken, seasoning with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside, leaving the flavorful bits in the pot.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- If desired, stir in diced bell pepper and cook for another minute.
- Mix in orzo pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and liquid has reduced.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle the mixture into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg