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Cajun Chicken Orzo

Cajun Chicken Orzo

Enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of Cajun Chicken Orzo, a perfect dish for family meals and entertaining.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 1127 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill Pan
  • large skillet
  • kitchen towel

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb chicken thighs skinless and boneless
  • 3 tablespoons cajun seasonings divided
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ½ cup yellow onion finely diced
  • ½ tablespoon minced garlic
  • ½ cup sun dried tomatoes chopped
  • 2 cups orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
  • fresh thyme

Instructions
 

  • Pat dry the chicken thighs with a kitchen towel and season them with Cajun seasoning and salt. Massage the seasonings into the chicken thighs.
  • Heat a grill pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add the seasoned chicken thighs. Grill them for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and butter. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for a minute. Then, add the sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for about a minute. Add the chicken broth and cook for 5-7 minutes until the liquid is almost absorbed.
  • Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Then, add the heavy cream and continue cooking until the pasta is cooked to your desired consistency.
  • Stir in fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a quick mix and top it with the grilled chicken thighs. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve.

Notes

Don’t overcook the orzo. Lightly toasting the orzo before adding the broth gives a richer flavor. Adjust spice level to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 1127kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 58gFat: 68gSaturated Fat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 28gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 272mgSodium: 745mgPotassium: 1490mgFiber: 7gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 4913IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 256mgIron: 6mg
Keyword Cajun Chicken Orzo, chicken, creamy pasta, family-friendly, orzo, Weeknight Meals
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