Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Orzo

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 12 oz andouille sausage (sliced into rounds)
• 1.5 cup orzo (uncooked)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided; use a low-sodium blend if preferred)
• 3 garlic (cloves, minced)
• 1 shallot (finely diced)
• 3 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 2 cup baby spinach (fresh)
• fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
• 0.5 lemon (juiced)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.

2. 2

   Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.

3. 3

   In the same pan, add the seasoned shrimp. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside with the sausage.

4. 4

   If the pan is dry, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and diced shallot, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

5. 5

   Add the dry orzo to the pan and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly golden and smelling nutty.

6. 6

   Stir in the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

7. 7

   Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

8. 8

   Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

9. 9

   Add the baby spinach and stir until it has wilted into the pasta.

10. 10

    Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the pan. Squeeze the lemon juice over the top and toss everything together to warm through.

11. 11

    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

If the sauce becomes too thick while resting, stir in a splash of extra chicken broth or water to loosen it. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the Cajun seasoning.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• one-pan
• shrimp
• sausage
• pasta
• cajun
• spicy