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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, chopped - 1 cup sliced mushrooms - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream) - 1 cup frozen peas - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped The main ingredients make this dish rich and creamy. The orzo pasta acts as the base. Olive oil adds a nice flavor while cooking. The onion and garlic give a savory note. Bell pepper and mushrooms add great texture. Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika bring heat and depth. The heavy cream makes it luxurious. - Cooked sausage or chicken - Fresh herbs like thyme or basil - Extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach - Lemon juice for brightness These optional ingredients can elevate the dish. Adding protein like sausage makes it heartier. Fresh herbs add freshness. A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors. You can play with these options based on your taste. - Quinoa or rice instead of orzo for gluten-free options - Olive oil can be replaced with butter for richness - Coconut cream as a lighter dairy-free choice - Any broth can work if you want a different taste These substitutions allow flexibility. If you want a gluten-free meal, use quinoa. Butter can give a richer flavor. Coconut cream makes it dairy-free but still creamy. Feel free to mix and match based on your needs. Making One-Pot Creamy Cajun Orzo is simple and fun. You start by cooking the veggies. Then, you add spices and orzo. Finally, you mix in cream for a rich taste. This dish cooks all in one pot, making cleanup easy. 1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Cook the Onion: Add 1 medium diced onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens. 3. Add the Veggies: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 chopped bell pepper, and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes. 4. Spice It Up: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you like heat. Mix well to coat the veggies. 5. Mix in the Orzo: Add 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta to the pot. Stir until combined with the veggies. 6. Add Broth: Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often. 7. Creamy Finish: Once the orzo is tender, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of frozen peas. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until warmed. 8. Season Well: Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as needed. 9. Let It Thicken: Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes. This helps the dish thicken. 10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, topped with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. - Keep an eye on the time when simmering the orzo. It should be tender but not mushy. - Stir often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. - If you like it creamier, let it sit a bit longer after mixing in the cream. This helps it thicken nicely. To cook orzo well, use a large pot. This gives the pasta room to move. Always add enough liquid. A good rule is three cups of broth for one cup of orzo. Stir gently during cooking. This helps prevent sticking. Taste the orzo near the end. It should be soft but firm. One common mistake is cooking orzo too long. This makes it mushy. Keep an eye on the time. Another mistake is not using enough broth. If you run low on liquid, the pasta can burn. Always check the pot and add more broth if needed. Lastly, don’t skip the seasoning. It adds flavor that makes the dish shine. For a creamier texture, use heavy cream instead of coconut cream. You can also add more cream, but keep it balanced. Mixing in a bit of cream cheese gives a nice touch. If you want a lighter version, blend in some pureed cauliflower. This adds creaminess without the extra fat. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian or vegan easily. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use vegetable broth. Instead of heavy cream, try coconut cream. This keeps the dish rich and creamy without dairy. You might add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach. They add color and nutrients. If you want more protein, add chicken or shrimp. Cook diced chicken in the pot before adding the vegetables. For shrimp, add them after the orzo cooks. Just let them simmer until they turn pink. Both options bring great flavors and make the meal heartier. To change the spice level, adjust the cayenne pepper. If you like it mild, leave it out. For more heat, add a bit more. You can also play with spices. Try adding cumin for warmth or oregano for a Mediterranean twist. Each change gives you a new flavor to enjoy. To store your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Orzo, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have a lot left, consider using smaller containers. This helps with portion control and makes it easy to grab for lunch. Reheating this dish is simple. You can use the stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, add a splash of broth or cream. Heat it over low heat while stirring. This keeps it creamy. In the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely and heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. If you want to keep your Cajun Orzo longer, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned earlier. Yes, you can make this dish in advance. Prepare it, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it gently. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. If you want a lighter option, use coconut cream. It adds a nice flavor. You can also try cashew cream or almond milk. These choices keep your dish creamy without heavy cream. To add heat, increase the cayenne pepper. You can also use a hotter Cajun seasoning. For more spice, mix in fresh chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This way, you can customize the heat to your taste. Orzo is typically made from wheat, so it's not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn. Check the package to ensure it fits your diet. Enjoy your meal without worry! One-Pot Creamy Cajun Orzo is simple and tasty. We covered the main and optional ingredients that add flavor. I shared easy steps to cook it perfectly. You now know tips to avoid common mistakes and how to make it creamier. We explored fun variations and how to store it right. In the end, this dish is a fun way to experiment with flavors. Enjoy cooking it your way!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Orzo

Savor the flavors of the South with this easy One-Pot Creamy Cajun Orzo recipe! Packed with vibrant vegetables and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish brings the taste of Cajun cuisine to your kitchen in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this delicious meal is sure to be a hit. Click through for step-by-step instructions and turn up the heat with this comforting dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), chopped

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

3 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a lighter version)

1 cup frozen peas

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened.

      Stir in the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

        Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.

          Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the pot and mix until well combined with the vegetables.

            Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the orzo to simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

              Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

                Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

                  Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly.

                    Serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 25 mins | 4 servings