Description
A rich, spicy, and creamy one-pan weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, orzo pasta, and Cajun seasoning simmered in a velvety sauce with spinach and bell peppers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, season with half the Cajun seasoning, and sear for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté diced onion and red bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add orzo pasta to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and add remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
- Return chicken and any juices to the pan. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted (about 1 minute). If using, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
Notes
For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas. Ensure you use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. Toasting the orzo adds a nutty flavor and prevents gumminess. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure proper browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cu
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Cajun chicken, orzo pasta, creamy pasta, one-pan dinner, weeknight meals, easy dinner, spicy chicken, comfort food