Name: Cajun Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup onion, finely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Description

A creamy and slightly spicy chicken orzo dish with a flavorful Cajun twist.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Season and sear the chicken in olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it sear without moving it too much. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove it from the pot and set aside.
Build the flavor base in the same pot, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant.
Toast the uncooked orzo directly into the pot. Stir it around for 1–2 minutes.
Create the creamy sauce by adding the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in smoked paprika and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer until tender at medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the cooked chicken back to the pot. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Finish and serve with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

The final dish should be creamy, slightly spicy, and filled with tender bites of chicken and perfectly cooked orzo.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 580
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 150mg