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why make this recipe
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a delightful one-pan meal that is both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. This dish marries the rich, savory taste of chicken sausage with creamy orzo pasta, making it a satisfying option for any time of the week. Not only is it quick to whip up, but you can also customize it to suit your preferences, taking your dinner from ordinary to extraordinary in just 30 minutes.
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
Sauté the Chicken Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of 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.
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.
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.
Make it Creamy: Lower the heat and stir in the 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.
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 Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo warm in bowls. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. You can add a sprinkle of extra cheese or a dash of hot sauce for an added kick if desired.
how to store Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
To store leftover Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the dish from becoming too thick.
tips to make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
- Use Quality Sausage: Choose high-quality chicken sausage for the best flavor.
- Experiment with Greens: You can use any greens like kale, spinach, or even arugula depending on what you have.
- Make it Spicy: If you like heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce to suit your taste.
- Add More Veggies: Consider adding bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
variation
You can easily change the flavor of this dish by using different types of sausage, such as Italian or spicy sausage. Additionally, substitute the cheese according to your preference—use goat cheese for a tangy kick or mozzarella for a mild flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can use small pasta shapes like couscous or small shells, but cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
2. Is there a dairy-free option?
Absolutely! You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream or skip the cheese for a dairy-free version.
3. Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
A delightful one-pan meal featuring savory chicken sausage and creamy orzo pasta, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten-Free
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)
Instructions
- Sauté the chicken sausage: Heat 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Make it creamy: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar (or feta). 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.
- Finish & serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm!
Notes
To store leftovers, place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add chicken broth or water when reheating to maintain consistency.