![\"Fork](\"https:\/\/bitesofwellness.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cajun-chicken-orzo-pin.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve been craving something cozy, creamy and a little spicy, this Cajun chicken sausage orzo is the kind of comfort food that feels incredible at the end of a long day. It\u2019s bold, hearty and comes together in about 20 minutes using simple shortcuts like Cajun-seasoned chicken sausage, frozen bell peppers and pantry friendly orzo. The sauce simmers in the skillet while the orzo cooks separately, making the whole recipe feel easy and totally doable even when your energy is low.<\/p>\n I know how exhausting dinner can feel at the end of a long day, which is why I lean hard into recipes that give you maximum flavor with minimal effort. I originally created a vegetarian version of this dish, but picking up a pack of Cajun chicken sausage on a whim took it to a whole new level. It\u2019s creamy, spicy and unbelievably satisfying; the kind of meal that got two thumbs up from my partner and reheats beautifully for meal prep. When I\u2019m craving comfort food without a lot of work, this is the recipe I turn to.<\/p>\n If you love quick, flavorful meals like this, I have a few other 20-minute favorites you might want to try next. My pesto shrimp orzo<\/a> is bright, cozy and works any time of year, and the orzo with kale and white beans<\/a> delivers so much flavor from just a handful of simple ingredients. And if you want something even more hands-off, the Instant Pot Cajun chicken and rice<\/a> cooks entirely in the Instant Pot in under 30 minutes; perfect for nights when you want dinner to take care of itself.<\/p>\n Please see the recipe card for a full list of ingredients, these are just a few I think deserve a highlight or want to recommend a substitution for.<\/em><\/p>\n Frozen bell peppers are a total burnout staple. No chopping, no prep, just toss them straight into the skillet. They save time and guarantee you still get veggies in the meal.<\/p>\n Using pre-cooked chicken sausage means you skip the whole \u201ccut up raw chicken and cook it through\u201d step. A few quick slices and it\u2019s ready to brown, saving you energy and getting dinner on the table faster.<\/p>\n Orzo cooks quickly and doesn\u2019t need babysitting. Getting it started first makes the whole recipe feel faster and keeps things moving without extra effort.<\/p>\n If the sauce gets a little too thick, add a splash of broth. If it\u2019s too thin, simmer another minute. This recipe is extremely forgiving, which is exactly what burnout cooking needs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \u2605 Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!<\/p>\n Bring water to a boil. When water has come to a boil, add pasta and cook according to instructions on the box.<\/p>\n 12 oz orzo pasta<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Place a large skillet over medium high heat.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Slice the sausage into coins. When the skillet is hot, spray with avocado oil and add the sausage and cook 2-3 minutes per side.<\/p>\n 1 package Cajun chicken sausage<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Once sausage has browned, add frozen bell peppers, cajun seasoning and salt. Cook for 6-7 minutes until defrosted and warmed through and most of the water has cooked off of the bell peppers. .<\/p>\n 1 bag frozen sliced bell peppers, <\/span>1.5 tablespoon cajun seasoning, <\/span>\u00bd teaspoon salt<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Push everything to the outside rim of the skillet to make room in the center to build the sauce. Add 1 tablespoon avocado oil and \u00bc cup oat flour. Stir that mixture together with a fork, then add the milk a few tablespoons at a time, mixing it in the flour mixture. You will notice it starting to thicken and create a creamy sauce.<\/p>\n 1 tablespoon avocado oil, <\/span>\u00bc cup oat flour, <\/span>1 cup milk<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Drain the can of diced tomatoes, add to the skillet along with the chicken broth and optional parmesan cheese.<\/span><\/p>\n 28 oz diced tomatoes, <\/span>1 cup chicken broth, <\/span>\u00bc cup parmesan<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n When pasta is done cooking, drain it and add immediately to the skillet with the sausage and peppers. Stir well and top with more parmesan if you please.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Nutrition Facts<\/p>\n Amount per Serving<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n \n Where does nutrition info come from?<\/b> Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Cajun](\"https:\/\/bitesofwellness.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cajun-chicken-sausage-orzo-horizontal-4024.jpg\"\/)
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<\/figure>\nIngredient spotlight<\/h2>\n
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Cooking Burnout Tips<\/h2>\n
Use frozen veggies<\/h3>\n
Cut down cooking time with chicken sausage<\/h3>\n
Cook the pasta while you prep the sauce<\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t chase perfection<\/h3>\n
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They don\u2019t need to be totally dry, but you want most of the moisture gone so the roux forms properly in the center of the pan.<\/li>\nNutrition Information<\/h3>\n