Creamy, spicy orzo tossed with tender shrimp, savory sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan for a flavorful one-pan meal. 🔥
This creamy shrimp and sausage orzo brings together bold Cajun seasoning, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan in one comforting dish. It’s an easy, flavorful dinner that comes together in about 20 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you're craving something rich and satisfying.
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 15 min | Total Time: 20 min
Ingredients
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb sausage, sliced or chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic seasoning
• 2–3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1 jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 2 cups dry orzo
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Cajun seasoning, to taste
• Lemon pepper, to taste
• Old Bay, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the shrimp
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the sausage
Using the same pan, add the sausage and cook until browned and heated through. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
3. Toast the orzo
Add the minced garlic and dry orzo to the same pan. Stir and cook for about 1–2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the orzo to lightly toast.
4. Make the creamy orzo
Add the chicken broth, heavy cream or coconut milk, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, garlic seasoning, crushed red pepper, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, and Old Bay. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Cook until the orzo is tender and the mixture becomes creamy, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the spinach
Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Add the shrimp and sausage
Return the cooked shrimp and sausage to the pan. Stir in the Parmesan and mix until everything is well combined and heated through.
7. Serve
Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, spicy bite. 😍
Tips & Notes
• Use peeled and deveined shrimp to make preparation easier.
• Don't overcook the shrimp — remove them from the pan as soon as they're pink and cooked through.
• Stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper and Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
• Heavy cream creates a richer sauce, while coconut milk gives the dish a slightly lighter texture with a subtle flavor.
• Add a splash of broth if the orzo becomes too thick before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Approx).
Calories: ~650–800 kcal
Protein: ~40–50g
Carbs: ~55–70g
Fat: ~30–40g
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