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why make this recipe
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a delightful one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken sausage, flavorful garlic, and creamy orzo for a comforting meal. The addition of spinach and parmesan adds a nutritious touch. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and offers an explosion of flavor in every bite!
how to make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage (sliced)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup orzo (dry)
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
Directions:
- Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Stir in the dry orzo and toast it in the pan with the chicken sausage and garlic for about 60 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Then add the coconut milk, soy sauce, seasonings, and fresh thyme, mixing well.
- Bring the orzo mixture to a boil. Turn the heat down, cover, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo is ready when it’s tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in the spinach leaves and cook until they are wilted. Then mix in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy your creamy orzo skillet!
how to serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Serve this dish warm, straight from the skillet. It is delicious on its own or paired with a side salad or crusty bread. For added color, you can sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes on top before serving.
how to store Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
tips to make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
- Use turkey sausage for a lighter version if desired.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Adjust the spice level by using mild or extra spicy sausage.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the sausage and add mushrooms or other protein alternatives.
variation
You can turn this recipe into a seafood dish by replacing the chicken sausage with shrimp. Just add the shrimp in during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing them to cook through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes! You can use coconut milk, as mentioned, or any other plant-based cream to keep it dairy-free.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
It’s best to eat this dish fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. Reheat gently after thawing.
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
A delightful one-pan dish combining chicken sausage, garlic, and creamy orzo for a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Paleo
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage (sliced)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup orzo (dry)
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Stir in the dry orzo and toast it in the pan with the chicken sausage and garlic for about 60 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Then add the coconut milk, soy sauce, seasonings, and fresh thyme, mixing well.
- Bring the orzo mixture to a boil. Turn the heat down, cover, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo is ready when it’s tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in the spinach leaves and cook until they are wilted. Then mix in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy your creamy orzo skillet!
Notes
Serve this dish warm with a side salad or crusty bread. You can add more parmesan for extra flavor.