Description
This creamy chicken sausage orzo is a delicious and easy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in chicken broth with savory chicken sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich cream and Parmesan sauce, this dish combines comfort and convenience in one skillet. With just a few simple ingredients and about 30 minutes, you get a hearty, flavorful main course the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach
Grains and Seasonings
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage rounds and cook until they develop a golden-brown color, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the Orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Toast the orzo lightly, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Simmer Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook the orzo, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to create a creamy sauce.
- Combine Sausage and Spinach: Return the browned chicken sausage to the skillet. Add the baby spinach and butter, stirring until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through and well combined.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken sausage orzo warm as a satisfying one-pan meal.
Notes
- Substitute kale for spinach for a heartier green.
- Use turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish.
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to boost the flavor and texture.
