Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

why make this recipe

This one-pan meal cooks fast and fills you up. It uses simple ingredients and gives creamy, bright flavors. You get protein from chicken sausage, carbs from orzo, and greens from spinach or kale. Try this when you want a warm, quick dinner that cleans up fast. For another easy dinner idea, see this brazilian coconut chicken recipe.

introduction

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo makes a full meal in one pan. You brown sausage, cook orzo in broth, stir in cream and cheese, then add greens and sun-dried tomatoes if you like. It cooks in about 25 minutes and needs little hands-on time. The result is creamy, slightly tangy (if you use feta), and easy to serve.

how to make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Ingredients :

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced (cheddar, feta, or your favorite variety)
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta, depending on your sausage flavor)
• 1 cup spinach or kale (for extra greens)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (for a Mediterranean twist)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated cheese
• Lemon zest (for brightness)

Directions :

1. 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, until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics & Orzo, In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
3. Simmer the Orzo, Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid.
4. Make it Creamy, Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar (or feta for a Mediterranean twist). Mix until smooth. Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine. If adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, mix them in at this step.
5. Finish & Serve, Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm!

how to serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Serve this dish hot from the pan. Add extra grated cheese and lemon zest on top. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables go well with it. For a hand-held side or lighter option, pair with a wrap like this buffalo chicken wrap.

how to store Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Cool the dish to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. You can freeze for up to 2 months, but texture of cream or yogurt may change. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

• Toast the orzo briefly for a nuttier flavor.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter meal; add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
• Stir in greens at the end so they stay bright and tender.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper after adding cheese.
• If your sauce is too thick, add a little hot broth or water.
• For quick meal planning ideas, check these quick meal prep soups for more one-pot options.

variation (if any)

• Mediterranean: Use feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano.
• Cheesy comfort: Use cheddar sausage and extra shredded cheddar.
• Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Lighter: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt and use turkey or chicken sausage.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
A: Yes. Small shapes like acini di pepe or couscous work best. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes. Finish with lemon zest for brightness.

Q: How do I keep the greens from getting soggy?
A: Add spinach or kale at the end and stir just until wilted. Remove from heat quickly.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger pan and add a bit more broth if needed. Cook times may increase slightly.

Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in meal boxes and reheat with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo makes a quick, creamy weeknight meal with one pan and simple steps. For more similar takes and ideas, see this version at Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet – Eat Yourself Skinny, a lighter one-pan option at One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo – Eating Bird Food, and another easy recipe at One Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo – onebalancedlife.com.