A cozy skillet dinner where tender chicken, orzo, and peppers simmer together in a light creamy Cajun sauce. One pan, easy cleanup, big comfort.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20 min
Total: 30 min
Ingredients
For the chicken
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
For the skillet
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced thin
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup milk or half-and-half
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, more to taste
• Salt and black pepper to taste
To serve
• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Season the chicken
In a bowl, toss chicken cubes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. - Sear the chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned on the outside. Remove to a plate. - Cook the veggies and orzo
In the same skillet, add the second spoon of olive oil. Sauté onion and bell peppers 3 to 4 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add the dry orzo and toast 1 minute, stirring often. - Simmer until tender
Pour in chicken broth, milk or half-and-half, and Cajun seasoning. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower heat, cover, and cook 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until orzo is tender and creamy. - Finish with chicken and cheese
Return the seared chicken and any juices to the skillet. Stir in parmesan cheese. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is cooked through. Adjust salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning to taste. - Serve
Remove from heat and let stand 2 minutes so the sauce sets. Top with parsley or green onions and serve hot straight from the skillet.
Nutrition Facts (approx per serving, 4 servings)
• Calories: 460
• Protein: 33 g
• Carbs: 42 g
• Fat: 17 g
Quick Facts
• One-pan complete dinner
• Family friendly and weeknight friendly
• Creamy but not too heavy
• Easy to reheat for leftovers
Tips
• Stir the orzo a couple of times while simmering so it does not stick to the bottom.
• If the skillet looks too thick, add a splash of broth or milk at the end.
• For more spice, add a pinch of chili flakes with the Cajun seasoning.
• Love creamy chicken dinners? Try our Creamy Garlic Chicken for another cozy one-pan option.
Variations
• Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
• Add a handful of spinach at the end and stir until wilted.
• Use yellow bell pepper instead of one of the peppers for more color.
• Want more easy one-pan meals? Check out our One Pan Chicken Skillet for more inspiration.