Description

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a flavorful and comforting one-pot meal perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Featuring tender chicken sausage, a rich and creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, this dish combines convenience with delicious taste. It’s quick to prepare, simplifies cleanup, and can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables or protein alternatives.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Add-ins

1 cup fresh spinach or bell peppers, chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned and heated through, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Cook Orzo: Add orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat with oil and aromatics. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, approximately 9–10 minutes.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and thickened.
Combine Sausage and Optional Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet. If desired, add chopped spinach or bell peppers now. Stir to combine and cook until the vegetables are wilted and everything is heated through.
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with a side of green salad or crusty garlic bread.

Notes

You can substitute chicken sausage with turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative for different dietary needs.
Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutrition and add color.
Use low-fat cream or milk for a lighter version, though the texture of the sauce will be less rich.
Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American