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Overhead view of browned chicken thighs on creamy orzo with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
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Cajun Chicken Orzo

Perfect for weeknight dinners, Cajun Chicken Orzo pairs Cajun-seasoned chicken thighs with creamy orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan, and fresh lemon juice in 45 minutes.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning 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 freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • fresh thyme

Instructions

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with a kitchen towel. Season them with Cajun seasoning and salt, then massage the seasonings evenly into the chicken.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and grill for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. If using chicken breasts, cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
  • Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and cook for 5-7 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed.
  • Stir the fresh baby spinach into the orzo and cook until wilted. Add the heavy cream and continue cooking until the pasta reaches your desired consistency.
  • Add the fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese to the creamy orzo and stir to combine. Top with the grilled chicken thighs, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve.

Notes

  • Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • For a milder dish, use less Cajun seasoning. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 1127kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 58g | Fat: 68g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 28g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 272mg | Sodium: 745mg | Potassium: 1490mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 4913IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 256mg | Iron: 6mg