Why make this recipe
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of chicken sausage and creamy goodness in a quick and easy one-pan meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a delicious, satisfying meal on the table in about 30 minutes! Plus, it offers a great balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs, making it a wholesome choice for dinner.
How to make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
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)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated cheese
- Lemon zest (for brightness)
Directions:
Sauté the Chicken Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of 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. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s softened; then stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1 minute, stirring frequently.Simmer the Orzo
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Then, add the thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes while stirring occasionally. The orzo should absorb most of the liquid.Make it Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese (or feta for a Mediterranean twist). Mix until smooth. Now, add the cooked chicken sausage back into the skillet and stir everything to combine. If you want, mix in the spinach or sun-dried tomatoes at this stage.Finish & Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional benefits
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo can be a nutritious meal choice. It provides protein from the chicken sausage, and you can pack in vegetables like spinach for added fiber and vitamins. The orzo pasta gives you complex carbohydrates for energy. If you use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, you also add probiotics to your diet. This dish strikes a good balance between taste and health, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing flavor.
What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
This dish is filling enough to stand alone but pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the orzo.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with crunchy garlic bread for a delightful texture contrast.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli or green beans adds even more nutrients.
- Red Wine: A chilled glass of white wine can enhance flavors and add a refreshing touch to your meal.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this meal up in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, making it a perfect choice for lazy evenings.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of chicken sausage, creamy sauce, and orzo makes each bite delicious.
- Customizable: You can easily change the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the dish and stir it in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but it might take a few extra seconds.
Tips and mistakes to avoid
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo while it cooks. You want it al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy.
- Use Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: This helps control the salt content of the dish. You can always add more salt if needed.
- Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the vegetables or types of cheese based on personal taste or dietary restrictions.
- Watch the Liquid Ratio: If you find the dish too dry, add a bit more chicken broth or cream during the cooking process.
Variations
- Different Proteins: Swap out chicken sausage for Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Vegetable Medley: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost the nutrition.
- Different Grains: Try using quinoa or brown rice instead of orzo for a healthier grain option.
- Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give it an extra kick.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the orzo and chicken sausage mixture ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove, adding a little broth or cream to keep it creamy.
Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo?
While you can freeze it, the texture might change slightly upon reheating. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container. It should last for up to 2-3 months. Reheat on low heat once thawed, adding some liquid to restore creaminess.
What kind of chicken sausage should I use?
You can use any type of chicken sausage you like. For a classic flavor, cheddar or Italian chicken sausage works well. If you want something different, try feta or spinach varieties for a Mediterranean flair.
In summary, Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a delightful, simple, and versatile dish that can fit any week’s dinner plans. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Print
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and delightful one-pan meal featuring chicken sausage and creamy orzo pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage, 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)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta)
- 1 cup spinach or kale
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated cheese
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add chopped onion to the same pan and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up bits from the pan. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until orzo absorbs most of the liquid.
- Lower heat, stir in heavy cream and cheese until smooth. Add chicken sausage back in and mix well. Optionally mix in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and lemon zest before serving.
Notes
For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt. Feel free to customize with different vegetables or cheese based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
