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
Scale
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
