Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: Simple Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: Easy one-pan dinner for you! Enjoy tender pasta, savory sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce. Quick, delicious, and simple.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Dairy-Friendly, Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 lb Italian-style chicken sausage, casings removed (or sliced)
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
06 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
09 - 5 oz fresh spinach

→ Flavor Boosters

10 - 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Garnish & Toppings

13 - Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

→ Optional Extras

14 - 1/4 cup white wine (for deglazing)
15 - 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (add with onion)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, we're going to get that chicken sausage nice and browned. Slice it up into bite-sized pieces – I usually go for half-moons. Heat a glug of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sausage and let it get a good sear, about 5-7 minutes. You want some lovely golden-brown bits; that’s where all the flavor lives! This step always makes my kitchen smell amazing, a promise of deliciousness to come.
02 - Once your sausage is nicely browned, pull it out and set it aside, but leave all those yummy drippings in the pan. Now, add your chopped onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic for just a minute until it’s fragrant – don't let it burn! I've burned garlic before, and trust me, it's a bitter mistake you only make once. This step is where the foundation of our Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo really comes together, so take your time.
03 - Next, pour the dry orzo into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir it around for about 1-2 minutes until it looks lightly toasted. This little trick, honestly, adds a subtle nutty depth to the pasta that you wouldn't get otherwise. It’s a game-changer! You'll start to smell a slightly toasted, warm aroma, which is exactly what we're aiming for. Don't rush it, but don't walk away either, orzo can burn quickly.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Give it a good stir, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavor! Now, return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Let it all simmer, uncovered, for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender. This is where I always remind myself to taste it and adjust the salt and pepper. It's so easy to forget!
05 - Once the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly gone, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and a generous handful of Parmesan cheese. Let it gently warm through for a couple of minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. This step is pure magic, watching that creamy sauce come together. You'll see it transform right before your eyes, becoming rich and inviting. Don't let it boil, just a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
06 - Finally, toss in the fresh spinach. Stir it gently until it wilts down into the sauce, which usually takes just a minute or two. The vibrant green against the creamy orzo looks so good! Taste one last time for seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Serve your gorgeous Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo immediately, perhaps with a little extra Parmesan on top. It's truly a dish that feels like a warm hug.

# Notes:

01 - Always toast your orzo a little before adding liquid; it really deepens the flavor, I swear!
02 - This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo tastes even better the next day, but sometimes the pasta soaks up more sauce. Just add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
03 - No chicken sausage? Italian pork sausage works wonderfully here, though the fat content will be a bit higher. I've even used ground turkey with Italian seasoning in a pinch.
04 - A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil at the end brightens everything up so much. Don't skip it if you have it!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
02 - Wooden spoon

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 480
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 22g

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