Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a delightful one-pan meal that brings comfort and flavor together in one dish. This recipe is easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have at home. If you’re looking for a satisfying meal that is quick and simple, this creamy orzo dish will become a favorite. For another easy option, you might enjoy easy chicken rice meal prep bowls.
why make this recipe
Making Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a great choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping. It takes only about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a fantastic option for those who want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the creamy texture combined with the savory flavors of sausage and spices makes it a crowd-pleaser. It’s also versatile; you can easily customize it with your favorite greens or cheese.
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 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 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
You can serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo as a comforting main dish. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. For a family meal or a gathering, this dish is vibrant enough to be the star of the table. If you’re in the mood for something different, consider making chicken fajitas meal prep bowls for your next dish.
how to store Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
To store any leftovers, let the orzo cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it, simply reheat it on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems too thick.
tips to make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
- Make sure to stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- For added flavor, consider using different herbs or spices that you prefer.
- You can substitute chicken sausage for any other type of sausage you enjoy, including turkey or vegetarian options.
variation
Feel free to customize this recipe further by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also replace the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative to make it lighter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute orzo with other pasta shapes, but cooking times may vary.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
While it can be frozen, the texture of the orzo may change when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
What can I serve with Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo?
This dish goes well with a light salad, garlic bread, or even steamed vegetables.One pan buckwheat with chicken is also a delicious alternative to serve alongside.
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 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 For garnish
- Extra grated cheese For serving
- Lemon zest For brightness
Instructions
Preparation
- 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.
Cooking
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Finishing
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
- Serve warm!
