Print

Creamy One-Pot Cajun Sausage and Orzo Pasta Dinner

creamy one-pot Cajun sausage and orzo pasta dinner - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one-pot meal featuring smoky Cajun sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a creamy sauce perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the sausage into 1/4-inch pieces and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in dry orzo pasta and Cajun seasoning. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat with spices and fat.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until orzo is tender and most broth is absorbed.
  6. Remove lid, stir in heavy cream and browned sausage. Cook uncovered for another 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
  7. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Serve warm.

Notes

If orzo is too thick before tender, add a splash more broth or water. If too watery at the end, cook a minute longer. Use a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet for even cooking. Toast orzo with spices for better flavor and texture. Stir gently to avoid tearing pasta. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and use vegan sausage. For gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or substitute with quinoa or rice pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, Cajun sausage, orzo pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/creamy-one-pot-cajun-sausage-and-orzo-pasta-dinner-easy-recipe-for-busy-nights/