Description
A quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring chicken, orzo, and a creamy Cajun sauce that comes together effortlessly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes (to taste)
Instructions
- Toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Cook the diced onion for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Stir the dry orzo into the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to toast the orzo and develop its nutty flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Heat through, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Browning the chicken first locks in flavor and keeps it from overcooking when you add the liquid. Toasting the orzo adds a nutty taste and helps it hold shape. For a citrus twist on the chicken, try a light sauce idea like three-ingredient orange chicken sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg