This one-pot healthy cajun chicken orzo is packed full of veggies and ready in 30 minutes. Plus: only one pot to wash up!
One-pot pasta is one of my favorite weeknight meals, not just because it produces fewer dishes, but also because the pasta absorbs SO much flavor as it cooks in the sauce. While we love this One Pot Spinach Artichoke Pasta and this One Pot Sausage Pasta, this one-pot healthy cajun chicken orzo has been on repeat lately!
This one-pot healthy cajun chicken orzo is secretly PACKED full of veggies! With bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas, onion, diced tomatoes…but it is so creamy and tasty that it’s not evident right away.
Ever since I discovered that one-pot pasta is not only easy but it is actually WAY MORE DELICIOUS, I have barely cooked it any other way.
Why is it more delicious cooked this way? For one reason, the pasta absorbs a ton of flavor as it cooks. And also, the starch from the pasta adds a certain creaminess to the rest of the dish that tastes like you’ve added cream when really you haven’t.
Reasons to ♡ Cajun chicken orzo:
- everything cooks together in one pot
- it’s simple to prepare and can be ready in under 30 minutes
- it is a vegetable-heavy healthy dinner
Ingredients we’ll need
- Orzo– small, rice-shaped pasta. You’ll need 8 oz uncooked orzo, which works out to 1⅓ cups roughly
- Cooking liquid– chicken stock adds extra flavor, though water is fine. Try using homemade bone broth for added nutrition
- Diced tomatoes– juices included. 15 or 19 oz both work
- Vegetables– bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas, and red onion chopped into small pieces
- Chicken– I’ve used chicken breasts. Make sure you cut them small (½ inch) so that they cook through at the same time as the orzo. You may swap for boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- Cajun seasoning– I’ve used Club House brand, which is quite mild. Some cajun seasoning can be quite spicy, so taste before adding and err on the side of caution (you can always stir more in at the end)
- Parmesan cheese– I highly recommend using freshly grated parmesan for this recipe
How does one-pot pasta work?
One-pot pasta involves cooking the pasta right in the sauce. This simplifies the cooking process and reduces the number of dishes for us to wash up. For this recipe, we place the orzo, chicken stock, diced tomatoes, vegetables, chicken, and seasoning into a pot all together, and simmer until the chicken and pasta are cooked through (roughly 15 minutes).
As the orzo cooks, the starches help thicken the sauce, as does the parmesan cheese added at the end of the cooking time.
Stir frequently
It’s absolutely critical that you stir the orzo every 2-3 minutes while it cooks. This ensures that the orzo at the bottom of the pot does not stick and burn and that the pasta will cook through evenly, Make sure to replace the pot lid each time you stir and do not leave the lid off for extended amounts of time to prevent liquid from evaporating.
If you notice the orzo sticking to the bottom of the pot, turn the heat down slightly so it is lightly simmering and not violently boiling.
Meal Prep + Storage Tips
This one caveat to orzo is that it does not keep as well as other pasta shapes. Here are some tips:
- 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 in the sauce for a few days.
- Freezer– orzo does not freeze/that well. I do not recommend freezing this recipe.
More healthy and delicious dinner ideas
- Kale Chicken Pasta Salad
- Healthy Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Chicken Caprese Pasta Bake
- Orzo Pasta Salad with Mint + Feta
- One-Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta
- Sun-Dried Tomato One Pot Pasta
- One-Pot Sausage Pasta
One Pot Healthy Cajun Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
- 8 oz uncooked orzo 1 1/3 cups
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 19 oz can of diced tomatoes + juices see note 1
- 2 bell peppers diced
- 1 cup zucchini diced
- 1 cup snap peas cut into small pieces
- 1 red onion diced
- 2 chicken breasts cut into 1/2 inch cubes, see note 2
- 2 tablespoons cajun spice see note 3
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the parmesan in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring every 3 or so minutes, or until pasta is cooked through.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese, and serve.
Notes
- 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.
Sarah
Is this ok to divide up for lunches for the week? Will it keep in tge refrigerator and be ok to reheat in microwave?
Denise
Hi Sarah! I have found that orzo doesn’t keep quite as well as other pasta, but I haven’t tried this particular recipe as a meal prep. Let me know if you give it a try!
Joanan
Hello, looking forward to trying this one out – can you freeze it once it has been made?
Denise
Hi Joanan! I don’t recommend freezing this recipe as the orzo tends to get really mushy when it’s freeze/thawed.
Christine
My family loved this except that the Cajun seasoning I picked was WAY, WAY, WAY too salty. What brand did you use? Thanks!
Denise
I’m so sorry to hear that! I use Clubhouse brand and it’s not very salty and not spicy at all. I should probably test the recipe with another brand as well as I’m sure they all vary in their salt and spiciness.
Jennifer
Cannot wait to try this recipe
Curious, is this cooked chicken before going into pot or raw?
Denise
Hi Jennifer! It goes in raw and cooks up in the pot 🙂
Serena
Made this dish tonight & it was delicious!! Whole family enjoyed it with some baked polenta. It did stick a little to the pan, but not too much. Also I added my green beans ( no sugar snap peas on hand) just for the last few minutes. Yum. Thankyou!!
Denise
I’m glad you guys enjoyed it, Serena!
Jackie
I made this today . I used white rice ( didn’t have orzo ( never tried it but will next time )and added some brown sugar just because it like it sweeter . I made my own Cajun seasoning also .
It was very easy & delicious,.
Denise
I’m so glad it worked out for you Jackie, since I haven’t tried it with rice and didn’t know if it would need more liquids or not?
Kate
As someone of Cajun ancestry, I added a stalk of celery and a couple cloves of garlic. I sauteed the onion, celery and peppers until soft and then added the garlic. I’m sure it would have been delicious the original way, but I’ve had that ingrained in me since by my mama. Delicious. I’m a graduate student with a family. These 30 minute meals are saving my life!!!
Denise
That definitely sounds more authentic, Kate! I’m so glad you liked it though 🙂 Thanks for reporting back!
Lindsey
I’m not keen on this one, I’m sorry I really wanted to like this and the pictures made it look amazing. I ended up with a mushy,soggy dinner because after 15 minutes the veg was still rock hard. I think if I ever make it again I will put the orzo in after veg is cooked.
Denise
Hi Lindsey I’m sorry to hear you had problems with the recipe. I’ve made this at least 6 times and have never had this issue. I’d love to help troubleshoot, would you mind answering these questions: Did you cook it for 15 minutes after bringing to a boil or 15 min total? Bell peppers, zucchini and peas should absolutely be cooked through after being simmered for 15 minutes. Did you stir frequently? If not, the veggies on top would likely not get the same amount of heat as those at the bottom. Did you use frozen vegetables or a different type of vegetable than what was listed? What size were your veggies chopped?
Lois Banta
We just finished eating this dish and it is a definite winner!! I was curious about the calorie count?
Denise
Hi Lois, I’m so glad you liked it! I haven’t had a chance to add the nutritional information yet. You could plug it into My Fitness Pal if you’re curious! https://www.myfitnesspal.com
Angie
I made this last night and it was delicious! I made your salmon with the avocado salsa the night before, and we loved it as well. Your recipes all look amazing and I am so glad I found your site. You have inspired me again, I already have the week planned out! Great job! And best wishes from Lethbridge, AB?
Denise
Thank you so much Angie, your comment totally made my day! I’m so glad you have enjoyed both of the recipes, and it’s nice to meet another Albertan 🙂
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life
I’m all for one-pot recipes! And healthy ones! And anything cajun chicken! I think I need to make this soon. 🙂
Denise
I’ve been on a Cajun kick this year and am so pleasantly surprised at how much amazing flavor you can get from a little cajun seasoning. Thanks so much Alyssa!
Kim
Love those bowls. Where are they from? (Also love your blog and recipes!)
Denise
Hi Kim! Thanks so much. I love that bowl (I only have one), and it was handmade at a pottery store in my parent’s tiny town…I’ve been looking for more because it’s so pretty!
Medha
Love this one pot meal! Orzo is one of my favorite grains but I always make it the same way- love the flavor development here, a great way to break my orzo rut 🙂
Denise
Thanks, Medha! I love the texture of orzo 🙂