Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo {One Pot!}

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo dish is bursting with flavor! Made in one pot, it features tender chicken, flavorful Cajun seasoning, and creamy orzo pasta. The best part is that this delicious recipe calls for basic ingredients and comes together in 40 minutes – perfect for busy nights!

Crazy for Cajun like I am?! Try this Cajun Fried Rice or this Cajun Salmon Pasta!

If you have yet to notice, we’re all about simple meals with big flavors around here. Like this loaded mashed potato bowl and ground beef noodle stir fry.

And this creamy Cajun chicken orzo does not disappoint. This dish will become your new favorite with tender chunks of chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and creamy orzo pasta.

This comfort food is hearty, tasty, and easy to make, coming together quickly and effortlessly. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy school night, yet jazz it with some fresh herbs, and it’s luxurious for a special occasion with friends and family.

Pair this one-pan skillet dinner with your favorite salad, roast vegetables, and rolls for a well-rounded meal the entire family will love.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this delicious Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo:

INGREDIENT NOTES

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces are the main source of protein. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Pasta: Orzo pasta provides the main starch and satisfying texture. Orzo pasta is a type of short pasta that is shaped like a large grain of rice. Its compact size makes it suitable to cook in one pan along with other ingredients.

Vegetables: A combination of onion, garlic, and red bell pepper adds flavor and texture to the dish. They also help balance out the carbs from the pasta and protein in chicken, making this one-pan dish a well-balanced and complete meal.

Cajun seasonings: This is a blend of spices that originates from Louisiana and typically contains paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and other spices like oregano and red pepper flakes. You can make homemade Cajun seasoning or use a store-bought blend.

Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add moisture, flavor, and texture.

Chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor as it is used as the liquid to help cook the vegetables and pasta. You can also use chicken stock.

Half and half: Heavy cream or half and half adds richness and creaminess, helping to balance the heat from Cajun and the acidity in the tomatoes.

HOW TO MAKE CAJUN CHICKEN ORZO: STEP BY STEP

Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with exact ingredients will be in the recipe card below!

Step 1: Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add chicken in an even layer. Brown chicken on one side, flip, and brown chicken on the other.

Step 2: Then, add diced onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, and salt and pepper. Stir and continue to cook until onion is soft and translucent.

Step 3: Next, add the diced tomatoes, orzo, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover.

Cook for about 12 minutes until the orzo pasta is al dente, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Once the orzo is tender, stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream.

Step 5: Then stir well to combine everything. Lastly, garnish with freshly chopped green onions and squeeze lemon juice if desired.

• Use fresh ingredients. Fresh vegetables always make the dish taste better. And ensure to cut them into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Freezing: This dish is not best for freezing. The cream may not hold up well during the freezing and thawing, resulting in a watery or mushy texture.

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

• Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to add a nutty flavor profile.
• Other veggies: Consider adding diced zucchini or mushrooms for extra vegetables.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Use rotisserie chicken: Hit the easy button and use previously cooked chicken instead. Simply add the chicken pieces in step 3 along with the tomatoes, orzo, and chicken broth.
• Other tomato products: Out of diced tomatoes? No problem, use a few tablespoons of tomato paste, thin it out with water, and add some sun-dried tomatoes for delicious flavor.

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