One Pot Cajun Chicken and Orzo

One Pot Cajun Chicken and Orzo

This delicious One Pot Cajun Chicken and Orzo is an easy, flavorful meal made with tender chicken, creamy orzo, and Cajun spices—all cooked in one pan for a simple and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season and Cook the Chicken:

• Season the chicken thighs or breasts with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.

3. Cook the Orzo:

• Add the orzo to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, stirring to coat the orzo in the flavors.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let the orzo cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.

4. Add Cream and Cheese:

• Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting the sauce thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the halved cherry tomatoes (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Return Chicken to the Pan:

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo. Spoon some sauce over the chicken.
• Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve the Cajun chicken and creamy orzo hot.

Tips:

• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preference, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

This hearty and creamy Cajun chicken and orzo dish is a great one-pot meal for busy weeknights! Enjoy its bold flavors with minimal cleanup.