One Pot Cajun Chicken Orzo (Risoni)

Name: One Pot Cajun Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 600g (1.3lb) chicken breasts, cut into large cubes; 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 brown onion, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 2-4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups (300g) dry orzo (risoni); 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk of choice (cow, soy, almond)

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This cajun chicken orzo (risoni) is a flavourful one-pan meal ideal for busy weeknights. Bursting with spicy cajun seasoning, it’s easy to prepare and packed with protein, carbs, and veggies, making it perfect for leftovers!

If you’re looking for a flavorful, mess-free meal for your family, this creamy cajun chicken orzo is the answer! Packed with protein, veggies, and wholesome carbs, it also makes for fantastic leftovers.

As a new mum, I’m all about one-pan meals. This dish requires just 10 minutes of prep and only one pot, plus you can toss in any leftover veggies from your fridge! It has the perfect balance of spicy yet creamy, comforting yet nourishing. The simple ingredients and method create a dish that feels gourmet.. Plus, it stores well for easy lunches throughout the week. Loaded with smoky, spicy Cajun flavor, it can even be made dairy-free with a simple swap!

Ingredients you’ll need

All you need to make this Cajun Chicken Orzo recipe are a few fresh ingredients and aromatics:

Chicken Breasts: Cut into large bite-sized pieces. Skinless chicken thighs work well too.
Tomato Paste: Adds richness; you can also use diced tomatoes.
Cajun Seasoning: This store-bought blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black pepper, and oregano adds depth and a kick of spice.
Onion: You’ll need one large brown or yellow onion.
Peppers: Cajun cuisine often features the “Holy Trinity” of onion, bell pepper, and celery. Here, we’re skipping the celery and doubling up on red and green bell peppers for extra veggies.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best.
Orzo: This small, rice-shaped pasta (also called risoni) forms the base of the dish. Cooking it in broth, like risotto, enhances its flavor and creaminess.
Chicken Broth: Simmering the orzo in chicken broth adds extra flavor. You can substitute with chicken bone broth for added protein and nutrients.
Milk: We use milk to lighten the dish, mellow the spice, and add richness. For a dairy-free option, swap it for a plant-based alternative like almond, coconut, or soy milk.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

How to Make Cajun Orzo

Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken into large pieces and toss with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Chicken being seasoned with cajun Seasoning.

Sear the Chicken: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking while simmering with the orzo.

Sauté the Aromatics: Add the peppers and onion to the pan, stirring until the veggies begin to soften.

Add Orzo and Liquids: Stir in the orzo, garlic, tomato paste, broth, and milk. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes.

Let It Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.

Everything added to the pan, bringing the liquid to a simmer.

Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and enjoy!

Storing Leftovers

This cajun chicken orzo is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep for 2-3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and simmer in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave until piping hot, stirring halfway through.

Substitutions and Tips

Protein: Instead of chicken, you can use beef chunks, lamb, tofu, or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Make It Creamier: Swap the milk for heavy cream or coconut cream for a richer texture.
Vegetables: Feel free to add extra veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, celery, or frozen peas at the end of cooking.
Sear the Chicken: Always sear your chicken first. This kick-starts the cooking process, reducing overall cooking time and giving the chicken a beautiful golden color and crust.

Serving suggestions

While this dish is delicious on its own, I like to serve it with a side of roasted vegetables. My go-to options are often Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Asparagus, Roasted Green Beans & Carrots or Roasted Cauliflower & Carrots. Alternatively, I might pair it with some crusty bread or a simple Spinach Arugula Salad or Jerusalem Salad.

Recipe FAQ

How Spicy is This Cajun Chicken Orzo?

The spice level varies by brand of Cajun seasoning. The one I used is mild to medium with a smoky flavor, which may taste spicy to some. The milk helps tone down the heat. To reduce spice, omit the additional 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. To make it spicier, add more seasoning or cayenne pepper, or reduce the milk to ¼ cup.

Can I Make This Cajun Chicken Orzo Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free?

How Long Does It Take to Boil Orzo?

Boiling orzo typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes for a firm "al dente" texture. If you prefer it softer, you may need to boil it for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

More one pot meals

Chili Without Tomatoes

One Pot Black Bean Curry

Gnocchi Bolognese Bake

Everyday Butter Bean Curry

If you try this cajun chicken orzo recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.