One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo
A simple and hearty one-pan dish combining savory chicken sausage and orzo pasta with creamy coconut milk and fresh spinach, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 package (12 oz) mild Italian chicken sausage, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 cups dry orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup canned full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 5 oz baby spinach
- to taste Crushed red pepper for serving optional
- to taste Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the chicken sausage to the pan and sauté for another 5-6 minutes or until golden brown.
- Toss in the orzo and cook for 1 minute to toast it slightly. Then, add the chicken broth, coconut milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cooking
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pan, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the baby spinach and grated Parmesan. Mix well until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.
Serving
- Serve with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and crushed red pepper, if desired.
Notes
Use a high-quality chicken sausage for the best flavor. Make sure to stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or skip the meat altogether and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.