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Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan MealIngredients Recipe

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan MealIngredients Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 73 reviews

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a comforting one-pan meal perfect for weeknights. Featuring savory chicken sausage, tender orzo, and a rich, velvety sauce, it comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. Customizable with greens or sun-dried tomatoes, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser for busy families or anyone craving cozy, flavorful food.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Orzo Skillet:

  • 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)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1 cup spinach or kale (for extra greens)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (for a Mediterranean twist)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)

For Garnishing:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra grated cheese
  • Lemon zest (for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Chicken Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes, until lightly browned and caramelized. Remove from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Cook the Aromatics & Orzo: In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and translucent. 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 to coat it in the oil and bring out its nutty flavor.
  3. Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for maximum flavor. Add the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid and becomes tender.
  4. Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream (or Greek yogurt) and the shredded cheddar cheese (or feta), mixing until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Return the cooked chicken sausage to the pan, stirring to combine everything evenly. If using, fold in the spinach or kale and sun-dried tomatoes until the greens wilt and everything is heated through.
  5. Finish & Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of extra grated cheese, and a zest of lemon for brightness. Serve the creamy chicken sausage orzo warm, straight from the skillet for the ultimate comfort meal.

Notes

  • Swap in smoked turkey sausage, Italian sausage, or plant-based sausage for variations.
  • If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute Greek yogurt for the heavy cream.
  • Orzo can be replaced with small pasta shapes like pearl couscous or ditalini.
  • For extra vegetables, fold in chopped bell peppers or baby broccoli with the onions.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth or milk for creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken sausage, orzo, one-pan, creamy, skillet dinner, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://topreci.com/creamy-chicken-sausage-orzo-a-one-pan-mealingredients-recipe/