Kitchen notes · a little help before you start
One Pot Healthy Cajun Chicken Orzo
One Pot Healthy Cajun Chicken Orzo is made with chicken stock, chicken breasts, and uncooked orzo.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Original yield
- Serves 6
- Ingredients
- 11 listed
Make it part of your week
Recipe categories & planning details
- Meal type
- Dinner
- Primary protein
- Chicken
- Cuisine
- Italian
- Preparation & total time
- Prep: 15 minutes or less · Total: 31–60 minutes
A few quick notes
1. Keep the simmering stage
Follow the simmering heat, timing and finish checks that are given.
2. Prepare for the next step
Have the next addition ready when the mixture reaches the boil described.
Get to know the ingredients
uncooked orzo (1 1/3 cups)
In the method: Combine all ingredients except the parmesan in a large pot.
chicken stock
In the method: Combine all ingredients except the parmesan in a large pot.
can of diced tomatoes + juices (see note 1)
In the method: Combine all ingredients except the parmesan in a large pot.
Let’s make it
Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.
Original recipe: Serves 6. Original quantities shown.
Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.
Ingredient note
Source: 8 oz uncooked orzo (1 1/3 cups)Ingredient note
Source: 2 cups chicken stockIngredient note
Source: 19 oz can of diced tomatoes + juices (see note 1)Ingredient note
Source: 2 bell peppers (diced)Ingredient note
Source: 1 cup zucchini (diced)Ingredient note
Source: 1 cup snap peas (cut into small pieces )Ingredient note
Source: 1 red onion (diced)Ingredient note
Source: 2 chicken breasts (cut into 1/2 inch cubes, see note 2)Ingredient note
Source: 2 tablespoons cajun spice (see note 3)Ingredient note
Source: 1/4 teaspoon saltIngredient note
Source: 1 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
How to make it
0 of 3 steps completeMake room for One Pot Healthy Cajun Chicken Orzo
Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.
The last little job
Finish as directed
Stir in the parmesan cheese, and serve.
A few questions you might have
What should I prepare first?
Set out the pot. Start with this step: Combine all ingredients except the parmesan in a large pot.
Which preparation step should I plan for?
Follow the simmering heat, timing and finish checks that are given.
What check should I look for as it cooks?
Bring to a boil reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring every 3 or so minutes, or until pasta is cooked through.
How do I plan the ingredient amounts?
This version serves 6. Use the ingredient amounts listed for that yield. If you change the number of portions, check equipment and the full method as well as the shopping quantities.
Additional recipe notes
1- a 15 oz can of diced tomatoes also works in this recipe 2- it's crucial that chicken breast is cut into small ½ inch cubes to ensure it cooks through properly. You may swap for boneless chicken thighs and cook for the same amount of time. 3- spiciness of cajun spice can vary greatly between brands, so proceed with caution! I used Club House brand for this recipe, which was quite mild. Consider starting with ¼ to ½ the amount, adding more in at the end to taste. Storage + Reheat Fridge – store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat – heat *gently* in the microwave or in a pot. This means, do not use high power and do not stir vigorously. This orzo can become quite delicate after sitting gin the sauce for a few days. Freezer – orzo does not freeze/that well. I do not recommend freezing this recipe.
Storage & reheating safety
For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.
These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures
Recipe source: sweetpeasandsaffron.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.
Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.