Description
A flavorful and creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet that combines tender chicken sausage, toasted orzo pasta, rich cream, and savory seasonings for a comforting one-pan meal. Optional additions like spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes add freshness and color, while garnishes of fresh parsley and lemon zest brighten the dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Orzo Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage (cheddar, feta, or your favorite variety), 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 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)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup spinach or kale
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated cheese
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Aromatics & Orzo: Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo pasta and toast it for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add flavor. Stir in dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid and is tender.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in heavy cream (or Greek yogurt if using) and shredded cheddar cheese (or feta for a Mediterranean touch). Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly. If you are using optional add-ins such as spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes, fold them in at this stage and allow them to wilt or heat through.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley, an extra sprinkle of grated cheese, and a touch of lemon zest for brightness. Serve the creamy chicken sausage orzo warm, directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier, lighter version, but add yogurt off the heat to prevent curdling.
- Choose chicken sausage flavors like cheddar or feta to complement the cheese used in the recipe for a balanced taste.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes to boost nutrition and color.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if your chicken sausage is salted or flavored already.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
