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Cajun Chicken Orzo pasta in a skillet with a wooden spoon scooping the noodles.
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Cajun Chicken Orzo

This Cajun Chicken Orzo is seriously amazing! So easy to throw together, and the perfect way to use up leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken. Add more cajun seasoning if you want a nice punch of flavor! I think my favorite aspect to this dish though is just how creamy it is. YUM!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, French
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 587kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 oz orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper chopped, if the pepper is small you can use the full pepper
  • 1/2 green bell pepper chopped, if the pepper is small you can use the full pepper
  • 8 oz rotisserie chicken chopped, or any left over cubed chicken will work well!
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning add more or less to taste
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup milk I used 2%
  • 3/4 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain water and place noodles in a large bowl. 
  • While pasta is cooking heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter and add the garlic cloves. Cook for 1 minute. Add the chopped peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes then add the chicken, cajun seasoning, salt and pepper, and cook until warmed, about 1 minute or so.
  • Add the cream cheese and milk, stirring until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. 
  • Stir in the parmesan cheese and cooked orzo pasta. Serve immediately. 

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.
If freezing, note that pasta gets mushy once frozen and thawed; and dairy can separate when frozen and thawed. With those two things in mind, I don't recommend freezing this meal. 

Nutrition

Calories: 587kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 950mg | Potassium: 360mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1692IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 347mg | Iron: 1mg