Description

This creamy chicken sausage orzo is an easy, one-pan meal packed with flavor. Juicy, browned chicken sausage is combined with aromatic onions and garlic, simmered with orzo, and finished with a creamy, cheesy sauce. Customize with spinaches, sun-dried tomatoes, or your favorite sausage variety for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

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For the Orzo Skillet

1 tablespoon olive oil
12 oz chicken sausage, sliced (cheddar, feta, or your favorite variety)
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta, depending on your sausage flavor)

Optional Add-Ins

1 cup spinach or kale (for extra greens)
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (for a Mediterranean twist)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)

For Garnishing

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra grated cheese
Lemon zest (for brightness)

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Instructions

Sauté the Chicken Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and heated through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics & Orzo: In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning, allowing the orzo to develop a nutty aroma.
Simmer the Orzo: Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for added flavor. Sprinkle in thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid and becomes tender.
Make it Creamy: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist) and shredded cheddar cheese (or feta). Mix thoroughly until the sauce is creamy and cheese is melted. Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine. At this point, add in optional spinach or sun-dried tomatoes if desired, and cook until the greens wilt.
Finish & Serve: Turn off the heat. Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley, additional grated cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness. Serve the creamy chicken sausage orzo hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use full-fat cream or cheese for the creamiest texture.
Don’t overcook the orzo – it should be tender but not mushy.
Toast the orzo before simmering to enhance its nutty flavor.
Additions like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes give extra nutrition and flavor.
For a lighter meal, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 470
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 70mg