Description
Spicy Cajun Chicken Orzo is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings the boldness of Cajun cuisine to your table. Tender chicken breasts sautéed with colorful bell peppers and orzo pasta are enveloped in a creamy, zesty sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this dish combines convenience and gourmet flair in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup bell peppers (diced; mixed colors)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop bell peppers and onion.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and season with Cajun seasoning; cook until golden brown, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers; sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions, about 8 minutes.
- Once orzo is al dente, return chicken to the skillet along with heavy cream. Mix well and simmer until warmed through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider substituting shrimp for chicken or adding seasonal veggies like zucchini. A splash of lemon juice can enhance the dish’s brightness. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.