Description

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a delicious and comforting one-pot dinner that combines savory chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a rich creamy sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe features a harmonious blend of herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 pound chicken sausage, sliced (mild or spicy)

Pasta and Grains

1 cup orzo pasta

Vegetables

1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup spinach, roughly chopped (fresh)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Liquids and Dairy

4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Oils and Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare ingredients: Gather and prepare all ingredients by slicing the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces, dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, halving the cherry tomatoes, and roughly chopping the spinach to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Sauté chicken sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
Sauté onion: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent, allowing it to soften and develop flavor.
Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to release its aroma.
Cook tomatoes: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften, releasing their juices.
Boil broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil to prepare for cooking the orzo.
Cook orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the boiling broth, stirring to ensure it is submerged. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is al dente.
Add cream: Once the orzo is cooked, slowly stir in the heavy cream to create a creamy sauce base.
Combine sausage and greens: Add the cooked chicken sausage, chopped spinach, dried oregano, and dried basil to the pot. Stir until the spinach wilts and the sausage is heated through.
Season: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed.
Add cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach desired consistency.
Serve and garnish: Remove from heat and serve the creamy chicken sausage orzo in bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese as desired.

Notes

You can use either mild or spicy chicken sausage depending on your heat preference.
To make this dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative.
Adding more fresh vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can enhance nutrition and flavor.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of broth or cook a bit longer to evaporate excess liquid.
For a gluten-free option, substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Creamy chicken sausage orzo, one-pot dinner, easy chicken sausage recipe, creamy orzo pasta, weeknight meal