Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo (One-Pan 30-Minute Meal!)

Are you on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that’s quick, easy, and bursting with bold, exciting flavor? Look no further. This One-Pan Cajun Chicken Orzo is the answer to your dinner dreams. Imagine tender, spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken nestled in a bed of incredibly creamy, cheesy orzo pasta. It’s a dish that delivers restaurant-quality taste and comfort, but here’s the best part: it all comes together in a single pan in about 30 minutes. That means maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite one-pan meal!

Ingredients for Your Cajun Chicken Orzo

This recipe uses simple ingredients to build layers of incredible Cajun flavor. The creamy Parmesan sauce is the perfect counterpart to the spicy chicken.

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*Slice 2 regular chicken breasts in half horizontally (butterfly them) to get 4 thin cutlets.
**See notes in the FAQs about adjusting the spice level.

Timing

This dish is a true weeknight wonder, delivering a complete and satisfying meal in just 30 minutes.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple one-pan steps to create a creamy, spicy, and unforgettable dinner.

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and generously coat both sides with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Drizzle the olive oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken in the pan. Fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan, place it on a plate, and tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm and juicy.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo and Aromatics

Do not clean the skillet! All those browned bits from the chicken are pure flavor. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter, uncooked orzo, diced onion, minced shallot, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is lightly toasted and the onion has softened.

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo

Turn the heat back up to medium. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine and scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the orzo simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 7 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the orzo is tender.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon juice. Continue to stir gently until the Parmesan cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine, Rest, and Garnish

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, nestling it into the creamy orzo. Remove the skillet from the heat, cover, and let it stand for 5 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken up beautifully. To serve, garnish with fresh thyme and lemon wedges. Serve immediately!

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, assuming 4 servings.

• Calories: ~650 kcal
• Protein: 35 g
• Fat: 38 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

This versatile dish can be easily customized to your liking.

• Lighter Sauce: For a less rich sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding 1 diced red bell pepper along with the onion and shallot. You can also stir in a large handful of fresh spinach at the very end until it wilts.
• Whole Wheat Option: You can use whole wheat orzo, but you may need to add an extra splash of chicken broth and increase the simmering time by a few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This One-Pan Cajun Chicken Orzo is a complete, satisfying meal all on its own.

• Simple Side: A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus pairs perfectly.
• For the Sauce: Don’t let a drop of that creamy Cajun sauce go to waste! Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping.
• Garnish: The fresh thyme and a squeeze of extra lemon juice at the end really brighten up the dish and complement the spicy, creamy flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For a perfect one-pan meal every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Thinly sliced chicken breasts cook in a flash and can easily become dry. Solution: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Pull the chicken from the pan as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Tenting it with foil will keep it perfectly juicy.
• Orzo Sticking to the Pan: Like any pasta, orzo can stick to the bottom of the pan if it’s not attended to. Solution: While the orzo is simmering in the chicken broth, be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure it cooks evenly.
• A Runny Sauce: It might be tempting to keep cooking the sauce if it looks thin, but this can lead to overcooked orzo. Solution: Trust the process! The sauce will thicken significantly as it stands for 5 minutes off the heat. The starch from the orzo and the melted Parmesan will work their magic.

Storing Tips

Leftovers of this creamy orzo dish are a delicious treat for lunch the next day.

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: The orzo will absorb much of the sauce as it sits. The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy consistency.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Cajun Chicken Orzo is a weeknight dinner game-changer. It’s a dish that effortlessly balances bold, spicy flavors with a rich, creamy texture, delivering a truly comforting and satisfying meal. The fact that it comes together in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup is just the cherry on top. This is a recipe that is sure to impress your family and earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. We hope you love every creamy, spicy bite! Let us know what you think in the comments below.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use a different protein, like shrimp or sausage?

Absolutely! This recipe would be fantastic with Cajun-seasoned shrimp or sliced andouille sausage. For shrimp, cook them for just 1-2 minutes per side and add them back in at the very end. For sausage, simply brown it and proceed with the recipe.

Q2. How spicy is this dish, and can I control the heat?

The spice level will depend entirely on the brand of Cajun seasoning you use, as they vary greatly in heat. For a milder version, use a mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount used in the orzo. For a spicier dish, use a hot Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Q3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes. You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, use a full-fat canned coconut milk or a dairy-free cooking cream instead of heavy cream, and use a vegan Parmesan cheese substitute.

Q4. I don’t have orzo. What’s a good substitute?

If you don’t have orzo, you could try another small pasta shape like ditalini or even rice. However, you will need to adjust the liquid amount and cooking time accordingly, so it would no longer be a one-pan recipe as written. For best results, it’s recommended to stick with orzo.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo (One-Pan 30-Minute Meal!)

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• Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Weeknight winner! Tender Cajun-spiced chicken cutlets nestled over ultra-creamy Parmesan orzo. All in one pan, ready in 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cajun Chicken

• 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts (Butterfly 2 breasts to make 4 cutlets)
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (for chicken)
• 3 tbsp olive oil

For the Creamy Orzo

• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (for orzo)
• 1 yellow onion, diced (medium)
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (pack lightly)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
• fresh thyme and lemon wedges (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Season and Cook the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and coat both sides with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked to 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
2. Toast the Orzo & Aromatics: Without cleaning the pan, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, orzo, diced onion, minced shallot, and remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Sauté ~3 minutes, stirring often, until orzo is lightly toasted and onion softens.
3. Simmer the Orzo: Increase heat to medium. Stir in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer ~7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most liquid is absorbed and orzo is just tender.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring, until cheese melts and sauce is silky.
5. Combine, Rest & Garnish: Return chicken (and any juices) to skillet, nestling into orzo. Remove from heat, cover, and rest 5 minutes to thicken. Garnish with fresh thyme and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

Notes

Spice Level: Use a mild Cajun blend or start with 1–2 tsp if sensitive to heat. For extra creamy, add a splash more cream or broth as needed. Swap chicken for shrimp (cook quickly and remove before making orzo).

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Cuisine: American, Cajun

Nutrition

• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 4
• Sodium: 980
• Fat: 38
• Saturated Fat: 18
• Carbohydrates: 40
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 35
• Cholesterol: 160