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Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 147 reviews

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken sausage, toasted orzo pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce made with heavy cream and cheese. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and optional vegetables like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, this skillet dish cooks quickly on the stovetop and provides a hearty, satisfying dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Orzo Skillet

  • 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)

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 cup spinach or kale (for extra greens)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (for a Mediterranean twist)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)

For Garnishing

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

Instructions

  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 the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Aromatics & Orzo: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo pasta and toast it by stirring for 1 minute.
  3. Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the dried 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 is tender.
  4. Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese (or feta, if preferred). Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. If using optional add-ins like spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes, add them now and incorporate evenly.
  5. Finish & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, extra grated cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness. Serve the creamy chicken sausage orzo warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter creamy texture.
  • Choose chicken sausage flavors like cheddar or feta to complement the cheese used in the dish.
  • Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes add a nice Mediterranean flavor and a slight tang.
  • Adjust seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your preferred heat level.
  • This dish is best served immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo, One-Pan Meal, Chicken Sausage Dinner, Creamy Orzo Recipe, Quick Dinner, Skillet Orzo

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/creamy-chicken-sausage-orzo-recipe/