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Cajun Chicken Orzo

A delightful dish marrying succulent chicken with Cajun flavors and creamy orzo pasta, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 3 pieces chicken breasts, cut into small strips Use free-range chicken for better flavor.
  • 1-3 tbsp Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste for your spice preference.
  • 1 tsp salt Seasoning is crucial.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Extra virgin olive oil is recommended.
  • ½ tbsp butter Room temperature butter melts easily.
For the Vegetables and Flavoring
  • 1 large onion, finely diced Sweet onions work wonderfully.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Garlic makes everything better!
  • 2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes Adds extra depth of flavor.
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste Or tomato purée for a lighter taste.
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 1 cup orzo pasta 200g, chosen for its delightful texture.
  • 1 cup chicken broth or stock Homemade stock adds lovely depth.
  • 1 cup shredded spinach Fresh or frozen is your choice.
  • ¼ cup heavy cream For that luscious creaminess.
  • 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese Plus more to serve.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and salt in a large bowl until well coated.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until slightly browned and cooked through.
  2. Chef's Tip: Avoid crowding the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
Adding Aromatics
  1. Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Sauté over low heat for 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
Cooking the Orzo
  1. Add the orzo and stir for 1 minute to toast. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Visual Cue: The orzo will absorb most of the broth.
Finishing Touch
  1. Once the orzo is al dente, stir in the shredded spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and adjust seasoning as needed.
  2. Common Mistake: Don’t skip stirring!
Serving
  1. Serve the Cajun Chicken Orzo hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Great for meal prepping.