Description

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a hearty, one-pan dish that blends tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s quick to prepare, easy to clean up, and customizable for various dietary preferences. Add spinach, cheese, and optional sun-dried tomatoes for a nutritious, flavorful meal your whole family will love.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

12 oz chicken sausage (cheddar, feta, or your favorite variety), sliced

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 (optional, for extra greens)

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional, for a Mediterranean twist)

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Extra grated cheese (for garnish)

Lemon zest (for garnish)

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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 skillet, 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.

Notes

Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Gluten-Free: Substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Vegetarian: Replace chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for added heat.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean