Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: A One-Pan Meal

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken sausage orzo is the perfect combination of rich flavors and a creamy texture. The chicken sausage provides protein and heartiness, while the orzo pasta soaks up the flavorful broth, creating a mouthwatering base. The addition of heavy cream and cheese takes this dish to the next level, giving it a velvety richness. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like to add greens, a Mediterranean twist with sun-dried tomatoes, or a bit of heat, this recipe has endless possibilities for variation!

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)

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)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. 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 the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics & Orzo
   In the same skillet, 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.

3. 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.

4. Make it Creamy
   Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese (or feta if using). Mix until smooth. Add the cooked chicken sausage back into the skillet and stir to combine. If you’re adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, mix them in at this step.

5. Finish & Serve
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Greens: Add 1 cup of spinach or kale for extra nutrients and a pop of color.

• Mediterranean Twist: Stir in ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

• Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

• Lighter Option: Swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt to reduce the calories while keeping it creamy.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover creamy chicken sausage orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

How can I make this dish lighter?

You can swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt or use a lighter cheese like part-skim mozzarella.

Can I use another type of sausage?

Yes! You can use any type of chicken sausage you prefer, or even swap it for turkey sausage, pork sausage, or plant-based sausage for a different flavor.

Can I use a different pasta besides orzo?

While orzo works beautifully in this dish, you could substitute it with another small pasta like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even rice if needed.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little extra broth to bring back the creamy texture.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.

Can I freeze this dish?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Just be aware that the texture of the orzo may change slightly upon reheating.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can swap the cheddar for mozzarella, Parmesan, or feta for different flavor profiles.

What other vegetables can I add?

Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies and texture.

How do I prevent the orzo from becoming mushy?

Be sure to monitor the simmering process and stir occasionally. Once the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid, remove it from heat to avoid overcooking.

Can I add more protein?

Yes! You can add extra chicken sausage or even grilled chicken breast or shrimp for a heartier meal.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet is the perfect weeknight dinner – quick, flavorful, and made in just one pan! The tender chicken sausage, creamy sauce, and comforting orzo make for a satisfying meal that can be easily customized to suit your tastes. With endless variations and easy storage options, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

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Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: A One-Pan Meal

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A creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet that's a one-pan meal, perfect for busy weeknights. It's packed with savory flavors from the chicken sausage, creamy cheese, and tender orzo pasta. Easy to make and fully customizable.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Calorie

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)

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

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Instructions

1. 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 the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
2. In the same skillet, 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.
3. 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.
4. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese (or feta if using). Mix until smooth. Add the cooked chicken sausage back into the skillet and stir to combine. If adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, mix them in at this step.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• You can swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt to make it lighter.
• If you're looking for more veggies, try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat leftovers by adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 60mg