Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
A delightful one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken sausage and tender orzo pasta in a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced Cheddar, feta, or your favorite variety
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth Can be replaced with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
For the Sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream Or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese Or feta, depending on your sausage flavor
To Serve
- 1 cup spinach or kale For extra greens
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes For a Mediterranean twist
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes For heat
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
- to taste extra grated cheese For serving
- to taste lemon zest For brightness
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking
- In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar (or feta). Mix until smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet, stirring to combine. If adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, mix them in now.
Finishing Touches
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm!
Notes
Watch the timing to avoid overcooking the orzo. Use fresh ingredients for better flavor. Experiment with different cheeses for unique taste.