Description
A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken, Cajun aromatics, and velvety orzo ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
1.5 cups dry orzo pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach
Lemon wedges and parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Season the cubed chicken with half of the Cajun seasoning and sear in olive oil in a large skillet until browned; remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper in the same skillet until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic and dry orzo to the pan, toasting the pasta for 2 minutes while stirring constantly.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and remaining seasoning, return the chicken to the pan, and bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and spinach until the greens are wilted and the sauce is thickened.
Step 7: Serve hot with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a zesty finish.
Notes
Ensure you stir the orzo occasionally while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
