Description
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in a savory chicken broth, then combined with browned chicken sausage, sautéed onions, garlic, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, this hearty yet delicate dish is perfect for a simple weeknight dinner that brings together warm, cheesy flavors with a nutritious balance of protein and greens.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Toast the orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This helps to lightly toast the pasta and enhances its nutty flavor.
- Simmer the orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the 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 is absorbed.
- Create the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach into the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes allowing the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine sausage and season: Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and mix everything well. Season the dish with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish and added color.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken sausage with turkey sausage or any preferred sausage variety.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
- If fresh spinach is unavailable, baby kale or Swiss chard can be used but adjust the cooking time to wilt the greens properly.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, if desired.
- Ensure the orzo is simmered with a lid on to cook evenly and absorb the broth fully.
