Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
A creamy and savory one-pan meal featuring chicken sausage, orzo, and vibrant veggies, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or feta
- 1 cup spinach or kale
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated cheese
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken sausage for 3-5 minutes until browned, then set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any bits. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer for 8-10 minutes until orzo absorbs most liquid.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until smooth. Fold in cooked chicken sausage and spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with parsley, extra cheese, and lemon zest. Serve warm.
Notes
Customize your sausage and feel free to add more veggies for extra nutrition.