Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that brings pure comfort to the table in just 30 minutes, look no further than Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo. This one-pan wonder is loaded with juicy chicken sausage, tender orzo, a lusciously creamy Parmesan sauce, and bright pops of spinach. It’s the kind of meal that feels both cozy and elegant, perfect for a bustling weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner. Every bite is rich and savory, and the leftovers are just as irresistible the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo, but each one plays an important role in creating big flavor and a silky, satisfying texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need, and why you shouldn’t skip a thing!
- Olive oil: Gives the sausage and aromatics a golden, flavorful start.
- Chicken sausage: Fully cooked sausage adds protein and a savory, slightly smoky punch to every bite; choose your favorite variety for a fun twist.
- Yellow onion: Diced onion brings natural sweetness and depth to the base of the dish.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves is all you need for that unmistakable aromatic lift.
- Orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- Chicken broth: Using low-sodium broth lets you control the saltiness and infuses the orzo with delicious savory flavor.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, velvety sauce; you can swap for half-and-half for a lighter touch.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts in for a salty, nutty finish.
- Baby spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a bit of freshness to balance the richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out every layer of flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh herbs makes for a gorgeous, restaurant-worthy finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the sliced chicken sausage in an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to get some golden-brown color, then stir and continue cooking for about 4–5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation, so don’t rush it! Once browned, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the diced yellow onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This simple step layers in aromatic depth that really shines in the finished Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Add the uncooked orzo pasta directly into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Toast the orzo for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. This toasting process gives the orzo a slightly nutty flavor and keeps it perfectly al dente after simmering.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 8–10 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure the orzo cooks evenly. By the end, most of the liquid should be absorbed and the orzo will be just tender.
Step 5: Make It Creamy!
Now for the magic: stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. The sauce will turn irresistibly creamy and glossy, coating every grain of orzo in flavor. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Sausage
Toss in the baby spinach and stir until wilted—this takes less than a minute. Return the browned chicken sausage to the skillet and mix well to combine everything. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a burst of fresh color. Serve your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo warm, straight from the skillet, and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
Garnishes
A flourish of chopped parsley is classic, but you can also add extra grated Parmesan or a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving. For a hint of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest over your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo can really make the flavors pop.
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal on its own, but if you want to round out the table, serve it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. A slice of crusty bread is ideal for scooping up any extra sauce—don’t let a drop go to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo into individual ramekins and finish under the broiler with a little extra Parmesan until golden and bubbly. Or, serve it family-style in a big rustic bowl, garnished generously with herbs for a homey, inviting vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen, making leftovers especially tasty!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze some for later, portion the cooled orzo into freezer-safe containers. Creamy dishes like this may change texture slightly after freezing, but a gentle stir and a splash of broth or cream during reheating will bring it right back to life. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer the orzo to a skillet or saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir gently until heated through, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan if desired.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Any fully cooked sausage works—try spicy andouille, herbed chicken, or even turkey sausage. Just keep in mind that different sausages will bring their own unique flavors to the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk, and use a lighter chicken sausage. You’ll still get a silky, satisfying sauce with a fraction of the richness.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
You can! Thaw and squeeze excess water from the frozen spinach before adding it to the skillet. It will blend right in and deliver that same pop of color and nutrition.
What can I substitute for orzo?
If you don’t have orzo, try another small pasta shape like ditalini or small shells. You could even use rice, though you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cook time accordingly.
How do I make this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo vegetarian?
Replace the chicken sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still end up with a creamy, comforting main course!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but comes together in a flash, and it’s sure to become a new favorite at your table. Grab your skillet and get cooking—you’ll be rewarded with a comforting bowl of goodness that everyone will love!
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Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and comforting one-pan dinner featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in rich chicken broth and heavy cream, combined with flavorful sliced chicken sausage and fresh baby spinach. This quick and easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach
Pasta & Grains
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Toast the orzo: Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and enhance flavor.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Incorporate spinach and sausage: Add the baby spinach and stir until it is wilted. Then return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and mix everything together evenly.
- Season and serve: Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use any fully cooked chicken sausage—smoked, spicy, or herbed varieties all work well.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream.
- To add extra veggies, consider stirring in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes slightly or add a dash of hot sauce when serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
