Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
A delightful one-pan meal featuring creamy orzo pasta with savory chicken sausage, perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
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!
Notes
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. Stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking. For added flavor, consider different herbs or spices. You may substitute chicken sausage for turkey or vegetarian options.