This Cajun Orzo and Bean Skillet is an easy one pot vegan dinner. Filled with veggies, beans, cajun seasonings and orzo pasta.
One pot recipes are one of my favorites to share. I mean, who doesn't love doing less dishes?!? This Cajun Orzo and Bean Skillet is a one stop shop dinner. Not only is it cooked in one pot, it is also filled with plenty of veggies, protein-packed beans and saucy orzo. Serve with your favorite toppings for an easy dinner or make ahead lunch!
How to make Cajun Orzo and Bean Skillet
This recipe moves super fast if you prep everything ahead of time. Get your veggies chopped, beans drained and seasonings out. Then heat some olive oil in a skillet. Add all of the veggies and spices. Cook it down for 5 minutes, or until everything is tender.
Add the beans, green chiles, crushed tomatoes, broth and orzo. Give everything a stir, bring it to a boil, cover, lower the heat and simmer. Step away for 20 minutes and let the orzo absorb all of the liquid.
Come back, uncover the pan and fluff the orzo. Give it a taste and add salt, if needed - I didn't add any. And that's literally it!!! You are ready to eat.
How to serve Cajun Orzo and Bean Skillet
Now comes the fun part. TOPPINGS! You all know how much I love toppings, so this recipe is no different. Here are some topping ideas:
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Green onion
- Hot sauce
- Fresh tomatoes
- Fresh greens - spinach or arugula
Serve up the orzo and add as many toppings as you'd like - or just add them all! This the perfect make ahead lunch. Let the skillet cool and place the leftovers in individual containers for easy lunches all week long!
Need more recipe inspo? Check these out:
Cajun Orzo and Bean Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 jalapeño diced, optional
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 4-ounce can green chiles
- 1 15-ounce can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 ¼ cup orzo dry
- 1 ½ cups broth or water
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes from a can
- optional toppings*
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, bell peppers, jalapeño, cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano and pepper. Toss to combine and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring it to a boil, cover, lower heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove the lid and give the orzo a stir. Taste and add salt if needed.
- Serve hot with any (or all) of the optional toppings.
Video
Notes
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Green onion
- Hot sauce
- Fresh tomatoes
- Fresh greens - spinach or arugula
Nutrition
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Karolyn
Just made this for the second time, so good! The first time I followed the recipe, but the second time I ran out of orzo and used a small macaroni shape, used more liquid and it worked out great!
Rene
Oh yum! Love the idea of making this with macaroni!
Kayla
My boyfriend and I have been trying to incorporate more vegan dishes into our diet. We made this a few weeks ago and loved it so much we’re making it again! We topped with lots of pickled jalapeños and avocado and it was perfect. It also reheats very well. Thank you for the recipe!!
Mari
Can this be made in a crockpot?
Rene
Hi Mari - I haven't tried this in a crockpot, but it should work. I would add everything to the crockpot except for the orzo. Cook on high for 3 hours, add the orzo, cover and cook for another 30-ish minutes. Let us know how it goes!
Rebecca
Do you think Old Bay would make okay "cajun seasoning"? Thanks!
Rene
Hi Rebecca - it will have a slightly different flavor, but should work. I would start with half the amount listed and add more to taste.