Are you ready to whip up a delicious, creamy dish that will have your family asking for seconds? I’m excited to share my recipe for Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo, a delightful one-pan meal that’s perfect for quick family dinners! This dish combines the heartiness of chicken sausage with the comforting texture of orzo pasta, all enveloped in a creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s packed with greens and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist. Let’s dive into this easy pasta recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner ideas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze!
- Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich in flavor with a creamy texture that everyone will love.
- Customizable with your favorite greens and sausage varieties.
- Great for meal prep or serving two for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your creamy masterpiece:
- 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)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo:
- 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. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics & Orzo: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid.
- Make it Creamy: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar (or feta for a Mediterranean twist). Mix until smooth. Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine. If adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, mix them in at this step.
- Finish & Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo turns out perfectly:
- Feel free to swap out the chicken sausage for turkey or a plant-based option for a healthier twist.
- For a little extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the onions.
- If you prefer a lighter version, Greek yogurt can replace heavy cream without sacrificing creaminess.
- Experiment with different greens like arugula or Swiss chard for variety.
- Don’t skip the lemon zest; it adds a refreshing brightness to the dish!
How to Serve
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is perfect as a standalone dish, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with:
- A side of garlic herb roasted veggies for a colorful plate.
- Some crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness.
- A light salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Extra grated cheese on top for those cheese lovers in your family!
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is fantastic for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up if needed.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the orzo dish for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Now that you have this delightful recipe in your arsenal, you can enjoy a comforting, creamy meal any night of the week! Whether you’re looking for Healthier Easy Dinner Recipes or simply want to impress your family with a delicious dish, this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is sure to please. Happy cooking!
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan Meal
Ingredients
Main 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)
- to taste Fresh parsley, chopped
- as needed Extra grated cheese
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest (for brightness)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook sausage until browned, then set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic, add orzo to toast for 1 minute.
- Pour in broth, add seasonings, simmer 8-10 minutes until orzo absorbs liquid.
- Stir in cream, cheese, cooked sausage, greens, and sun-dried tomatoes; cook until heated through.
- Garnish with parsley, lemon zest, and extra cheese; serve warm.