Chicken Sausage Recipes Cajun Chicken Orzo
When I first tried blending Cajun spices with chicken sausage and orzo, I knew I had stumbled onto something special. It’s one of those meals that looks and tastes like you fussed for hours, but honestly, it comes together in no time. The mix of smoky heat and tender pasta has become a comfort dish in my kitchen, and I can’t help but go back for seconds.
This dish is my go‑to on busy nights, because it hits that sweet spot of bold flavor and simple prep. The Cajun sausage brings just enough spice to wake up your taste buds, and the orzo soaks up every drop of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that makes the whole house smell good, the kind where someone always wanders in asking, 'What’s cooking?'
If you’ve been looking for chicken sausage recipes that balance heartiness with ease, this one’s for you. It fits right in with cajun sausage recipes, works as a sausage and orzo recipe, and is every bit as satisfying as the best Italian chicken sausage recipes. I think of it as one of those orzo chicken recipes that you’ll end up bookmarking and making over and over again. Whether you call it chicken and orzo recipes or sausage and chicken recipes, it’s the same story: a pot of comfort with a kick of spice.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite‑size pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside with sausage.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for 1–2 minutes before pouring in the chicken broth.
- Mix in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook until orzo is tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Return chicken and sausage to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy and combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with parsley before serving.