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–+ servings
ingredients image of chicken breasts orzo pasta heavy cream cajun seasoning garlic onion bell peppers olive oil chicken broth parmesan cheese on a rustic wooden board with herbs and spices scattered around soft natural lighting food photography realistic creative arrangement inviting home kitchen setting

Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo Skillet

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo Skillet is a bold, comforting one-pan meal ready in under 45 minutes. Juicy chicken, smoky Cajun seasoning, and creamy orzo come together for a dish that's perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
  • 1 large onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
Seasonings
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika for extra depth
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper to taste
Pasta & Liquids
  • 12 oz orzo pasta or gluten-free orzo
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for dairy-free
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet,
  • Wooden spoon
  • measuring cups,

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken by cutting into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the chicken and vegetables. Toast for 1-2 minutes to enhance flavor.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 920mgPotassium: 630mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 3.2mg

Notes

This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Add a splash of broth when reheating to maintain creaminess.
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