Description
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a rich and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender orzo pasta, savory browned chicken sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, fresh baby spinach, and Parmesan cheese all combined in a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Produce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the sausage and vegetables.
- Brown the sausage: Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and cook until nicely browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same skillet, cook the diced onion until softened and translucent, then stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the orzo: Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute to lightly toast the pasta and enhance flavor.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook the orzo uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh baby spinach, Italian seasoning, and the browned chicken sausage. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and the spinach has wilted.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish and serve the dish warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Substitute kale for spinach if desired to add a different leafy green.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to the creamy dish.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
