JAMBALAYA WITH A ORZO TWIST

Jambalaya with a Orzo Twist image

Provided by Carol White @Mstwinkie

Categories Chicken

Number Of Ingredients 21

FROM THE PANTRY - MAKING SPECIAL SPICE BLEND
2 teaspoon(s) kosher salt
2 teaspoon(s) mrs dash garlic & herb seasoning
2 teaspoon(s) paprika
1 teaspoon(s) ground black pepper
1 teaspoon(s) jamaican sytle jerk seasoning
1 teaspoon(s) cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon(s) dried oregano
1 teaspoon(s) red pepper flakes
JAMBALAYA INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cup(s) orzo pasta
1 pound(s) medium white shrimp peeled and deveined
1 pound(s) boneless/skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" pieces
1 cup(s) red, yellow, green & orange bell peppers, diced
1 package(s) johnsonville andouille smoked sausage, cut into 1/2" slices
5 clove(s) garlic, diced
1 cup(s) white onions, diced
1 1/2 cup(s) low sodium chicken broth
14 1/2 ounce(s) can diced tomatoes - low sodium
4 tablespoon(s) special spice blend, divided - 2 tbsp each for chicken and shrimp
- olive oil for sauteing

Steps:

Directions for spice blend. Combine all ingredients together and blend well. You may also use a coffee grinder to blend your spices. I love making my own spice blend, make sure your spice rack is up to date with fresh spices and make your own blend. Store in an airtight container and use for your favorite dishes.
Step 1 Place chicken in a clean bowl and add spice seasoning over chicken and gently toss until the chicken is coated well. Then in a separate bowl, do the same thing with the shrimp. Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions. But cook "al dente" because you will finish cooking pasta when it is added to the jambalaya mixture.
Step 2 In a large skillet, add about 2 tbsp olive oil. Start with chicken first, place in pan and add part of the onions, garlic and peppers and sauté until it is about half done. Then remove chicken and set aside. Add more oil if required, then add the balance of onions, garlic, peppers and shrimp. Sauté until shrimp is nice a pink, but do not over cook.
Step 3 Now add to the skillet, tomatoes and chicken broth and combine with shrimp. Stir gently and add chicken back to the skillet. Continue to cook until chicken, shrimp and vegetables are tender. Let simmer for about 3 - 5 minutes. Then add orzo pasta to mixture and combine well and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
Serve your Jambalaya Place in serving bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.