Creamy Cajun Sausage Orzo

Ingredients

• 12 oz Cajun sausage (diced; Conecuh brand recommended)
• 0.5 yellow onion (diced)
• 1.5 cup orzo (dry)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 cup chicken broth (as needed to cook orzo)
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste preference)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)
• fresh parsley (chopped, for color)

Steps

1. 1

   Add the diced Cajun sausage and diced onions to a large skillet over medium heat.

2. 2

   Sauté until the sausage is well-browned and the onions are softened.

3. 3

   Remove the sausage and onions from the skillet and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.

4. 4

   Add the dry orzo and tomato paste to the same skillet.

5. 5

   Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the orzo until it is slightly golden and the tomato paste is fragrant.

6. 6

   Pour in the chicken broth.

7. 7

   Season with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.

8. 8

   Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked to al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

9. 9

   Stir in the heavy whipping cream and the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.

10. 10

    Add the chopped parsley for a pop of color.

11. 11

    Return the cooked sausage and onions to the skillet.

12. 12

    Give everything one final mix to combine and heat through before serving.

Notes

If the orzo absorbs all the liquid before it is tender, add an extra 1/4 cup of broth at a time. For the best flavor, use a high-quality smoked sausage like Conecuh.

Nutrition per serving

• comfort food
• main dish
• one-pan
• creamy
• spicy
• pasta
• dinner