Description
Creamy one-pan dinner with spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, tender orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and flavorful Parmesan Alfredo sauce. Perfect balance of heat and creaminess for easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
3 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
1–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (to taste)
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tbsp butter
1 large onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste or purée
1 cup orzo pasta
1 cup chicken broth (or stock)
1 cup shredded spinach
¼ cup heavy cream
3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Instructions
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Cook the chicken: Season chicken with Cajun seasoning and salt. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium‑high heat. Sear chicken strips until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add onion, garlic, sun‑dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring until softened and fragrant.
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Cook the orzo: Stir in orzo and toast for a minute. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook around 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more liquid as needed.
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Add greens and sauce: Uncover and check for doneness—the orzo should be tender but slightly firm. Stir in spinach until wilted.
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Finish the dish: Mix in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until creamy. Return chicken to the pan and combine evenly.
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Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Use heavy skillet to avoid scorching.
Stir orzo during cooking for even absorption.
Add spinach last to retain bright color.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste.
Reheat gently with broth or cream if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 585
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 880
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 43
- Cholesterol: 155
Keywords: cajun chicken orzo, creamy cajun pasta, one pan chicken orzo, alfredo orzo recipe, spicy chicken pasta dinner