Craving something creamy, spicy, and entirely plant-based? Look no further than this Creamy Cajun Chicken Vegan Orzo recipe. It’s perfect for those who love bold Cajun flavors while sticking to a vegan diet. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step to make this hearty, comforting dish in your own kitchen!
What is Vegan Cajun Chicken Orzo?
Vegan Cajun Chicken Orzo is a flavorful fusion of spicy Cajun-seasoned vegan chicken filets served over a bed of creamy orzo pasta. The dish is rich, savory, and packed with veggies like bell peppers, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. And the best part? It’s completely dairy-free and meatless!
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Vegan Orzo Recipe
- Vegan-friendly: Enjoy the classic Cajun flavors without any animal products.
- Comfort food: Creamy orzo and savory vegan chicken make this dish a satisfying meal.
- Quick and easy: It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Packed with flavor: The Cajun spices bring a kick, while coconut milk makes the sauce rich and creamy.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Creamy Cajun Orzo
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth.
- Red bell pepper: For a pop of color and natural sweetness. You can use green bell peppers for a slightly bitter taste.
- Orzo: A rice-shaped pasta that absorbs all the delicious flavors. Substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Coconut milk or vegan cream: This gives the sauce a creamy base. You can also use cashew cream or soy cream as alternatives.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds sharpness and depth of flavor.
- Vegetable broth: A flavorful liquid to cook the orzo. Water with bouillon cubes can be used as a substitute.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Brings a tangy sweetness. You can swap them for cherry tomatoes if you prefer a fresher taste.
- Cajun seasoning & smoked paprika: These spices give the dish its signature smoky and spicy flavor. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning.
- Spinach or basil: Adds freshness and color. Feel free to use kale or Swiss chard as a replacement.
Vegan Chicken
- Breaded vegan chicken filets: There are many vegan chicken options available, but you can also use tofu, tempeh, or seitan as an alternative.
- Cajun seasoning: Adds extra heat and flavor to the vegan chicken.
Toppings
- Vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast: Gives a cheesy, savory finish. Nutritional yeast can be used as a more affordable, dairy-free alternative.
- Salt & pepper: Season to taste.
- Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish.
Helpful Tools for This Creamy Cajun Chicken Vegan Orzo Pasta Recipe
- Dutch oven or large pot: For making the creamy Cajun sauce and cooking the orzo.
- Baking sheet: To bake the vegan chicken.
- Parchment paper: To prevent the vegan chicken from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For chopping the vegetables and herbs.
- Wooden spoon: To stir the sauce and pasta as it cooks.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Vegan Orzo Pasta Recipe
Preparing the Vegan “Chicken”
Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Sprinkle Cajun seasoning on both sides of each vegan chicken filet.
Bake the vegan chicken according to the package instructions until golden and crispy.
Making the Creamy Cajun Sauce
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Add minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika.
Stir constantly for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
Stir in the orzo and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the orzo is lightly toasted.
Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
Cooking the Orzo
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a rapid simmer.
Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender but still al dente. Be careful not to boil too hard, as the liquid might evaporate too quickly.
Add spinach and cook for another minute, just until wilted.
Finishing Touches
Serve the creamy orzo in bowls, topped with vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast.
Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Slice the vegan chicken filets and place them on top of the orzo.
Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Vegan Cajun Orzo
- Control the spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning or swap it for smoked paprika.
- Creamy texture: Make sure to use full-fat coconut milk or vegan cream for a rich and creamy sauce.
- Add extra veggies: Feel free to toss in more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition.
FAQs
Yes! Simply swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice.
Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or substitute with more smoked paprika for a milder flavor.
You can use tofu, tempeh, or seitan if you don’t have vegan chicken filets available.
Yes, you can use fresh cherry tomatoes for a lighter and fresher taste.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Vegan Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
Creamy Cajun Orzo
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 1 large red bell pepper diced
- 1 ½ cups orzo
- 1 cup full fat coconut milk or vegan cream
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes finely chopped
- 1-2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large handful of spinach or basil (optional)
Vegan Chicken
- 4 breaded vegan "chicken" filets
- 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
Toppings
- vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
- salt & pepper to taste
- squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Vegan "Chicken"
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then sprinkle cajun seasoning on both sides of each "chicken" cutlet.
- Cook the vegan chicken according to package instructions.
Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In a dutch oven or large pot on medium heat, add the olive oil, onion and bell pepper.
- Saute for 3-4 mins or until fragrant.
- Next, add the garlic, smoked paprika and cajun seasoning. Stir constantly toasting the spices for about 1 minute.
- Now add in the orzo and sun-dried tomatoes and continue stirring for 1-2 mins.
- Now, pour in the coconut cream and vegetable broth and stir to combine.
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a rapid simmer and cook for around 10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente. (Don't boil on max heat or the liquid will evaporate before the orzo is cooked.)
- Add in the spinach and cook for another minute or until wilted.
Finishing Touches
- Serve the creamy orzo with fresh grated parm, salt and pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Cut the "chicken" into strips and place on top of the orzo. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Cajun Chicken Vegan Orzo Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Vegan Orzo recipe is the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and comforting. With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
What a delicious recipe the orzo flavor was amazing. I used a different brand of plant based chicken on my dish but was super tasty. 😋
Thank you SO much I’m so happy you loved it!