Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo

Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo with golden brown chorizo in 30 minutes with one pot using this easy recipe.

5 from 32 votes

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 387 kcal

1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning click for the recipe
2 tablespoon olive oil
¾ lb Chorizo sausage I get these from the butcher section and remove the casing so that I just use the meat.
6 garlic cloves minced, or about 1.5 tbsp minced garlic in a jar
3/4 cup shallots sliced thinly
3/4 cup red bell pepper thinly sliced
2 cups chicken broth low sodium
8 oz orzo pasta uncooked
2 tbsp heavy cream optional
1.5 cup parmesan cheese grated from the refrigerated section
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional

Mix the chicken breast in a bowl with the cajun seasoning. Set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saute pan to medium-high heat.
Add the chorizo meat and cook until browned (about 7-10 minutes). Remove the browned chorizo from the pan and set aside. Be sure to leave the drippings in the pan and do not wash it.
In the same pan that you cooked the chorizo, add the seasoned chicken bites in an even layer. Saute for 3-4 minutes per side. During this step, the goal is to get a browned sear on the outside of the chicken. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside. It will continue to cook as it rests. Do not wash the pan.
Add the garlic, shallots and peppers to the pan that you cooked the chicken and chorizo in. Saute until the onions are translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan if needed (this means scrape up any bits that might be stuck to the bottom of the pan). Bring to a boil.
Stir in the orzo pasta, cover the pan and cook on low heat for 10 minutes. It will soak up most of the liquid.
Add heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Mix to create a sauce. For a spicy kick, add the cayenne pepper to this step.
Return the cooked chicken, and chorizo to the pan. Heat if necessary to cook any chicken through (2-3 minutes). Stir to incorporate. For photos, you can reserve some meat for the top so that the different components are visible.
Top with chopped parsley and serve.

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