Mardi Gras season is all about bold flavors, vibrant colors, and dishes that bring joy to the table! This Creamy Cajun Sausage Orzo Pasta delivers that classic Louisiana-inspired taste while keeping things balanced and wholesome. It’s packed with veggies, lean andouille chicken sausage, and a luscious Cajun-spiced sauce that feels indulgent without the guilt.
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Calories: 586kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 149mg | Sodium: 1532mg | Potassium: 520mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 3703IU | Vitamin C: 92mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 2mg
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try:
- Packs in the Veggies – Traditional creamy Cajun pastas often skimp on the veggies, but this dish is loaded with bell peppers, celery, tomatoes, and onions for extra fiber, vitamins, and a boost of flavor.
- Leaner Protein Swap – We’re using Applegate Andouille Chicken Sausage, a lighter, cleaner alternative to pork sausage that still packs a smoky, bold Cajun flavor.
- Lighter Creaminess – Instead of a heavy cream-based sauce, this version combines just ¼ cup of heavy cream with water, keeping it light but still deliciously creamy.
- Orzo: The Perfect Pasta Hack – Using orzo pasta instead of traditional fettuccine or penne means you get all the texture you love in a smaller portion that stretches further while soaking up the Cajun-spiced sauce beautifully.
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes – No need to spend hours in the kitchen—this one-pan wonder comes together fast, making it an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep go-to!
- Perfect for Meal Prep – This dish stores beautifully in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Plus, the portion sizes are just right for balanced meals!
- Restaurant Flavors, Home-Cooked Vibes – You get that rich, smoky, and creamy Cajun pasta experience without all the butter, sodium, and excess fats that come with restaurant versions. This is comfort food made smarter!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Orzo Pasta – This small, rice-shaped pasta is perfect for absorbing the creamy Cajun sauce while providing a tender bite. Unlike heavier pastas, orzo keeps this dish light while still feeling indulgent.
- Applegate Andouille Chicken Sausage – This sausage brings smoky, bold Cajun flavors with a healthier twist. Since it’s made from chicken instead of pork, it keeps the dish lower in fat while still delivering that classic spicy kick.
- Red Onions – These add a slight sweetness and depth to the dish, balancing out the spice and acidity of the tomatoes. They also provide a delicious base flavor when sautéed.
- Celery – A staple in Cajun cooking, celery adds a slight crunch and freshness that enhances the dish’s texture while complementing the smoky flavors of the sausage.
- Green & Orange Bell Peppers – Bell peppers bring natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a subtle crispness that makes every bite exciting. The mix of green and orange peppers keeps the flavor dynamic, with green offering a slightly bitter note and orange providing a mellow sweetness.
- Roma Tomato – These tomatoes break down into the sauce, adding acidity and a fresh, slightly tangy contrast to the creamy and spicy elements of the dish.
- Garlic – A must-have for bold flavor, garlic infuses the entire dish with a rich, aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with the smoky sausage and Cajun spices.
- Water & Heavy Cream – The combination of water and heavy cream creates a lighter but still creamy sauce. The water helps deglaze the pan, while the heavy cream provides just the right amount of richness without making the dish overly heavy.
- Cajun Seasoning – The star spice blend! This mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs brings that signature Louisiana heat and depth to the dish. It seasons everything perfectly, from the veggies to the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – A little parmesan adds a nutty, umami-rich finish that melts beautifully into the creamy sauce, making it even more indulgent.
- Green Onions – The final fresh touch! Green onions provide a mild oniony flavor and a burst of color, balancing the richness of the sauce with a pop of freshness.
Quick and Easy Recipe Steps:
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil and add the orzo pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 7–9 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced red onions, celery, green and orange bell peppers, roma tomato, and minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the sliced andouille chicken sausage to the pan, along with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together, allowing the sausage to heat through and absorb the flavors, about 2 minutes.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in ¼ cup of water and ¼ cup of heavy cream, stirring well to combine. As you mix, use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds extra flavor!
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked orzo pasta into the pan and stir to coat it evenly in the creamy sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the pasta.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and give it a final stir. Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tablespoons of diced green onions for a fresh pop of flavor.
- Serve & Enjoy: Dish it up while hot, or portion into meal prep containers for a delicious, ready-to-eat meal throughout the week!
Ingredient Swaps for a Healthier Twist:
- Swap the Orzo for a Whole Grain Option – Use whole wheat orzo, quinoa, brown rice, or chickpea pasta for extra fiber and protein.
- Use Turkey or Plant-Based Sausage – Substituting chicken sausage with lean turkey sausage or a vegan sausage alternative keeps the dish lighter while still packing in flavor.
- Make It Dairy-Free – Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or an unsweetened dairy-free alternative like cashew cream for a plant-based version.
- Adjust the Spice Level – If you like it milder, use half the Cajun seasoning or opt for a no-salt Cajun blend. If you love the heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce!
- Add More Veggies – Toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the fiber and nutrient content.
- Use Nutritional Yeast Instead of Parmesan – For a dairy-free, cheesy flavor with added B vitamins!
- Make It Broth-Based Instead of Creamy – If you want a lighter version, skip the heavy cream and use chicken or vegetable broth instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own by mixing equal parts of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, thyme, and oregano. Adjust the spice level to your liking!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the chicken sausage for plant-based sausage or sauteed mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Will this be too spicy for kids?
It depends on their spice tolerance. You can reduce the amount of cajun seasoning and opt for a milder sausage if needed.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Orzo Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
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Nutrition