Description
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a rich and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese all brought together in a luscious creamy sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner the entire family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the sausage and aromatics.
- Cook sausage: Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Toast orzo: Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook while stirring for about 1 minute to lightly toast the pasta and enhance its flavor.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to create a creamy sauce base.
- Incorporate spinach and sausage: Add the baby spinach, Italian seasoning, and cooked chicken sausage back into the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for added freshness and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute kale for spinach if preferred for a different texture and flavor.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want to introduce a spicy kick to the dish.
- Store leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
