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
Scale
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
