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