Hot Honey Cajun Sausage Orzo

Ingredients

• 6 pork sausages (approx. 400g, sliced)
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 onion (finely diced)
• 2 peppers (diced)
• 3 tsp garlic purée (or 3 cloves, grated)
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 2 tbsp honey (divided)
• 1 tsp chilli crisp oil (1–2 tsp depending on heat preference; divided)
• 300 g orzo
• 800 ml chicken stock (hot; use up to 1 liter if needed)
• 100 g light cream cheese
• 80 g cheddar cheese (grated)
• 40 g Red Leicester cheese (grated)
• fresh parsley (or spring onions, for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Cook the sliced pork sausages in a large pan over medium heat until they are browned on all sides.

2. 2

   Add the Cajun seasoning, finely diced onion, and diced peppers to the pan and fry for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, mix the honey with the chilli crisp oil.

4. 4

   Add half of the honey-chilli mixture to the pan along with the garlic purée and tomato purée. Stir well to combine.

5. 5

   Pour in the orzo and 800ml of hot chicken stock.

6. 6

   Simmer gently, stirring often to prevent the orzo from sticking. Add more stock if needed (up to 1 liter total) until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid has thickened.

7. 7

   Once the orzo is cooked and the sauce has thickened, stir in the light cream cheese until fully incorporated.

8. 8

   Top the mixture with the grated cheddar and Red Leicester cheese.

9. 9

   Place a lid on the pan for a minute or two to let the cheese melt.

10. 10

    Finish by drizzling the remaining hot honey mixture over the top and garnishing with fresh parsley or spring onions.

Notes

The author notes this recipe provides approximately 617 calories and 32g of protein per serving. If you prefer more spice, use the full 2 tsp of chilli crisp oil. Ensure you stir the orzo frequently as it absorbs the stock to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• one-pan
• spicy
• sausage
• pasta
• comfort food
• weeknight