Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
A one-pan meal combining chicken sausage, vibrant greens, and delightful orzo pasta for a creamy and flavorful dish that's budget-friendly and easy to make.
Ingredients
Main 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)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste extra grated cheese
- to taste lemon zest (for brightness)
Instructions
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 about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Simmer the Orzo
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Season with 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 the heavy cream and shredded cheese (or feta for a Mediterranean twist). Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Toss in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes at this step.
Finish & Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of extra cheese, and a burst of lemon zest.
- Serve warm and enjoy each comforting bite!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe bags for 2-3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.