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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup corn kernels - 1 cup spinach, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, for garnish When I make Cajun Chicken Sausage Orzo, I love to gather all my ingredients first. This dish is colorful and full of flavor. You start with orzo pasta, which has a nice bite and absorbs flavor well. The chicken sausage gives a rich taste and a bit of spice. I slice it up and get it ready. Next, I use olive oil to cook the sausage. Then, I add a small onion and minced garlic to the pot. These two create a great base with their smell. Then, I toss in diced red and green bell peppers for crunch and sweetness. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of juicy flavor. The Cajun seasoning brings that bold kick we love. I also like to include corn and spinach for extra nutrition and color. Finally, I finish with salt and pepper to taste. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch on top. Each ingredient plays a role in making this meal vibrant and tasty. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 1 pound of sliced chicken sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned, about 5-7 minutes. - Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside. - In the same pot, add 1 small diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns soft and clear. - Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 diced green bell pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften. - Stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for 2 minutes until they start to soften. - Add 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning and mix well with the vegetables. - Now, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Stir it in for 1-2 minutes to let it toast a bit. - Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. - After the orzo is cooked, stir in 1 cup of corn kernels and 1 cup of chopped spinach. - Add the cooked sausage back to the pot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it rest for a minute before serving. To avoid mushy orzo, watch the cooking time closely. Orzo cooks in about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir it often while it cooks. This helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking. For extra flavor, consider adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. These spices can boost the dish's depth. Adjust heat levels by adding more or less Cajun seasoning. Start with two teaspoons and taste as you go. Garnish your dish with fresh parsley for a bright touch. A sprinkle of parsley adds color and flavor. Serve the orzo with a side salad or crusty bread. These sides complement the meal and make it more filling. {{image_2}} You can swap the chicken sausage for turkey or pork sausage. This change keeps the meal tasty while altering the flavor profile. If you want a lighter option, try using quinoa instead of orzo. Quinoa cooks quickly and gives a nice nutty taste. To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, replace the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage. You can also skip the sausage altogether and add more veggies. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo or quinoa. This way, everyone can enjoy this hearty meal. Seasonal vegetables can enhance the dish. In summer, add zucchini or squash. In fall, try sweet potatoes or carrots. These changes keep the dish fresh and exciting all year long. Adapt your ingredients based on what’s in season for the best taste. Store your Cajun chicken sausage orzo in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. It's best to let it cool to room temperature before sealing. When stored this way, it lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To freeze the orzo, divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the date. It keeps well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat it in a pot over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to help with moisture. Batch cooking is a smart way to save time. You can make a large pot of this dish and store it in portions. Use glass or plastic containers that seal well. For best results, avoid stacking them too tightly in the fridge. This allows for proper air circulation. Remember, keeping your meals organized helps with meal planning! Yes, you can use regular pasta. However, cooking times will vary. Orzo cooks quickly, about 10-12 minutes. If you use larger pasta, it may take longer. Check the package for the right cooking time. Cooking regular pasta may change the dish's texture. Orzo gives a creamy, comforting feel. Cajun Chicken Sausage Orzo has a medium spice level. The Cajun seasoning packs flavor without overwhelming heat. Chicken sausage often adds a nice kick too. If you want more heat, add extra seasoning or hot sauce. Adjust to your taste. Everyone has different spice preferences. This dish pairs well with simple sides. A fresh green salad adds crunch and brightness. Garlic bread complements the meal nicely. For drinks, consider iced tea or a light beer. These options balance the meal's rich flavors. You can also serve it with a glass of white wine. Yes, you can make it ahead. Cook the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of broth if it feels dry. This keeps the dish tasty and moist. This blog post showed you how to make Cajun Chicken Sausage Orzo. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to enhance your dish. Variations let you adapt the recipe to your taste and diet. Proper storage ensures your leftovers stay fresh. Cooking should be fun and easy. With this recipe, you can enjoy a tasty meal any night. Remember, small changes can make a big difference. Get creative!

Cajun Chicken Sausage Orzo One Pot

Spice up your dinner with this Cajun Chicken Sausage Orzo Delight! This one-pot recipe combines orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, colorful veggies, and bold Cajun seasoning for a dish that bursts with flavor. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, it takes just 30 minutes to prepare. Click to explore the full recipe and bring some Cajun flair to your table tonight! #CajunRecipes #DinnerIdeas #OnePotMeals #EasyRecipes
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound chicken sausage, sliced

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 cup spinach, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.

    In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic, diced red and green bell peppers, and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften.

      Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they start to soften. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, stirring well to combine with the vegetables.

        Add the orzo pasta to the pot and mix until combined, allowing the pasta to toast slightly, about 1-2 minutes.

          Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

            Stir in the corn kernels, chopped spinach, and the previously cooked sausage. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.

              Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute before serving.

                - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6