Description
How to make creamy Cajun chicken and smoked sausage orzo with tender pasta and bold spices that creates the perfect one-pot comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
Base Ingredients
- 1½ cups orzo pasta
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings and Garnish
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear Proteins: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Sear chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: Add sliced sausage to the same pot and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 4 minutes. The rendered fat will add incredible flavor to our vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Liquids: Pour in white wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Add chicken broth, bay leaf, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Orzo: Stir in orzo and return chicken to the pot. Simmer covered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and has absorbed most liquid.
- Finish Creamy: Remove from heat and slowly stir in heavy cream. Let stand 3 minutes to thicken. Remove bay leaf, taste for seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Don’t add cream while the pot is still on heat or it will curdle and ruin the smooth texture.
- Orzo continues to absorb liquid as it sits, so add extra broth when reheating leftovers.
- Searing the chicken creates fond that adds incredible depth to the final dish flavor.
- Taste and adjust Cajun seasoning at the end since brands vary in saltiness and heat level.
- Fresh parsley brightens the rich dish, but green onions work as a delicious substitute.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 28g