If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly satisfying meal, this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe is going to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. The combination of tender orzo pasta bathed in a luscious creamy sauce, coupled with savory chicken sausage and fresh spinach, delivers a harmony of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds. Plus, it’s quick to make, coming together in just about 35 minutes, perfect for busy days when you want something hearty yet simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish just right relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the rich olive oil that adds depth to the sausage, to the fresh baby spinach that brightens the plate, every item contributes to a satisfying, well-rounded dish.
- Olive oil: Use a high-quality extra virgin for a smooth, fruity base when cooking the sausage and aromatics.
- Chicken sausage: Choose your favorite flavor for a delicious, seasoned protein that crisps up beautifully.
- Small onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and subtle crunch after sautéing.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with an irresistible aroma and kick.
- Orzo pasta: The star pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce like a charm, perfect for creamy textures.
- Chicken broth: Provides savory depth and moisture for cooking the orzo perfectly.
- Heavy cream: The key to that silky, indulgent sauce that makes this recipe truly creamy.
- Baby spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a mild earthiness to the dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty flavor that enriches the creamy sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all flavors harmoniously.
- Fresh parsley: A fresh, herbaceous garnish to brighten every bite and finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook it until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Browning the sausage not only cooks it thoroughly but also develops a flavorful crust that adds a wonderful texture to your dish. Once cooked, remove the sausage and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same skillet, toss in the diced onion first, allowing it to cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent. This step softens the onion and draws out its natural sweetness. Next, add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its fragrant oils without burning, which is crucial for that signature garlic flavor.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Now, stir in the orzo pasta with the onion and garlic, cooking it for about 1 to 2 minutes while stirring frequently. Toasting the orzo lightly enhances its nutty flavor and helps it hold its shape well once it absorbs the broth and cream later in the process.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for around 10 minutes. During this time, the orzo will absorb the broth and become tender, creating the perfect base for your creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add Cream, Cheese, and Spinach
After the orzo has softened, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly. This step is the magic moment where the dish transforms into a rich, creamy delight with a fresh pop of green from the spinach.
Step 6: Combine Sausage and Season
Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and gently stir everything together, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced with sausage, creamy orzo, and spinach. Finally, season the dish with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving to add a fresh herbal note and an appealing pop of color. Your creamy chicken sausage orzo is now ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few garnishes can truly elevate the presentation and flavor. Fresh chopped parsley is classic, but you might also try a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. For those who like a bit of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes works beautifully too.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or steamed seasonal vegetables makes a well-rounded meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess nicely, while roasted asparagus or garlic green beans add a lovely texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the creamy chicken sausage orzo in individual shallow bowls sprinkled with colorful garnishes like cherry tomato halves or toasted pine nuts. You could even stuff roasted bell peppers with the orzo mixture and bake until warmed through for a picturesque, crowd-pleasing presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days without losing its creamy texture or flavor, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so before adding the heavy cream and spinach. Portion the orzo and sausage mixture into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. When thawed, gently reheat and finish by stirring in fresh cream and spinach to maintain the perfect creaminess and bright green color.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. To restore creaminess and prevent drying out, add a splash of chicken broth or a little extra heavy cream while warming. This helps keep the sauce silky and fresh tasting as if it was just made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken sausage offers a lighter flavor, you can swap it for turkey, pork, or even a spicy Italian sausage to customize the dish to your liking. Just adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure the sausage is cooked through.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan-style cheese to keep the richness without dairy. The flavor will vary slightly but remain delicious and creamy.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
To enjoy this recipe gluten-free, simply replace the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or a grain like quinoa or rice. The cooking liquid and method remain the same, just adjust cooking times based on the substitute’s package instructions.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onion and garlic for extra veggies. Adding frozen peas or roasted tomatoes at the end also complements the flavors and adds color and nutrition.
What wine pairs well with Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe?
A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with this creamy and savory dish. Their acidity helps balance the richness of the sauce and refresh the palate between bites.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in every forkful, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s simple enough for anyone to whip up without stress. Once you taste that creamy, cheesy goodness paired with savory sausage and tender spinach, I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot on your meal rotation!
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Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with fresh spinach and aromatic garlic, it comes together quickly for a satisfying dinner perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
Produce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pantry & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Toast the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly toast the orzo. This process enhances the flavor and adds a slight nuttiness to the pasta.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cream, Cheese, and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally to combine everything evenly.
- Combine and Season: Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, ensuring the flavors are well balanced.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, comforting chicken sausage orzo!
Notes
- Use spicy or mild chicken sausage depending on your preference to adjust the flavor heat.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less thick.
- You can add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Covering the skillet while simmering helps cook the orzo evenly and retain moisture.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick after cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
