Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: Your New 30-Minute Comfort Dish

Enjoy this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo, a one-pan meal that's easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with vegetable oil or butter
  • 8 ounces Chicken Sausage Can substitute with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage
  • 1 Onion Diced; yellow, red, or white onions work
  • 3 Garlic cloves Minced; use fresh for best flavor
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Gluten-free orzo or cauliflower rice can be used
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth Vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian version
For Creaminess
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream Can use half-and-half or milk as a lighter alternative
For Nutrition & Flavor
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Can substitute with kale or other leafy greens
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Fresh herbs can be used if available
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Can substitute with pecorino Romano or dairy-free parmesan
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley Used as a garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until shimmering.
  2. Add 8 ounces of sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add 1 diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta, stirring frequently for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast.
  6. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
  7. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, 2 cups of fresh spinach, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning for 2-3 minutes until creamy.
  8. Return the browned chicken sausage to the skillet and heat through for 1 minute.
  9. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 950mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish can be customized with different proteins and vegetables. Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!