Creamy Cajun Orzo
A rich, creamy orzo pasta dish with a Mediterranean twist.Instead of heavy cream, this recipe uses Greek yogurt and olive oil for creaminess, while Cajun-inspired spices give it a smoky, warm flavor.Tossed with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, it’s vegetable-forward, protein-rich (optionally with shrimp or chicken), and heart-healthy — perfect as a light Mediterranean dinner or lunch.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
Pasta & Veggies
1 cup orzo pasta
1 small zucchini, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Creamy Cajun Sauce
½ cup Greek yogurt
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp vegetable or chicken broth
Optional Protein
150 g cooked shrimp or diced chicken breast
Finish & Garnish
Fresh parsley or basil
Lemon zest
Grated Parmesan
Instructions
Cook Orzo
Boil orzo in salted water until al dente
Drain and toss with 1 tsp olive oil to prevent sticking
Saute Vegetables
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan
Saute garlic for 30 seconds
Add zucchini and bell pepper; cook 4–5 minutes
Add cherry tomatoes, cook 2 more minutes
Make Creamy Cajun Sauce
In a bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, smoked paprika, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper
Add a bit of broth if needed for smooth consistency
Combine
Add cooked orzo to vegetables
Toss with creamy Cajun sauce until evenly coated
Add optional cooked protein if using
Heat gently on low for 1–2 minutes
Finish & Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil
Sprinkle lemon zest or Parmesan if desired
Tips
Greek yogurt keeps the dish creamy without heavy cream
Adjust cayenne for a mild Mediterranean-friendly spice
Fresh herbs at the end elevate flavor
Roasting zucchini and peppers beforehand adds depth
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it vegan?
Yes — use coconut yogurt or plant-based Greek-style yogurt, and skip Parmesan
Can I store leftovers?
Keep in fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently
Can I use other pasta?
Couscous, quinoa, or whole-wheat penne works fine
How to make it more protein-rich?
Add chickpeas for vegetarian option, or shrimp/chicken for non-vegetarian
Nutritional Information
Calories: 380
Protein: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fat: 15 g
Fiber: 6 g