why make this recipe
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a comforting and tasty meal that combines tender chicken sausage, creamy flavors, and nutritious spinach. It’s easy to make in just one skillet, which means less cleanup for you. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
how to make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo, dry
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk, or heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
Directions:
- Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the dry orzo to the skillet, toasting for about 60 seconds while stirring.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then add the coconut milk, soy sauce, seasonings, and fresh thyme. Mix everything well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- After simmering, stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. Then mix in the parmesan cheese.
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
how to serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet hot from the skillet. You can garnish it with more parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for an extra touch. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
how to store Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency.
tips to make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
- For added flavor, try using different types of chicken sausage, like sweet Italian or garlic chicken sausage.
- Adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Feel free to add more vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to increase the nutrition and flavor.
variation
You can turn this into a vegetarian dish by replacing the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or using additional vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it entirely plant-based.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice if you prefer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as it is written is not gluten-free because orzo contains wheat. You can use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Just reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little broth if necessary to bring back the creamy texture.
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking
- 12 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced Can substitute with different types of sausage
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo, dry Can substitute with other small pasta or rice
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth Can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
- 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk or heavy cream To make it creamy
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes Adjust according to spice preference
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt To taste
- 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese For mixing in and garnishing
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves Can add more vegetables if desired
Instructions
Cooking
- Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the dry orzo to the skillet, toasting for about 60 seconds while stirring.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then add the coconut milk, soy sauce, seasonings, and fresh thyme. Mix everything well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After simmering, stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, then mix in the parmesan cheese.
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.