Introduction

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. This rich and flavorful dish combines tender chicken sausage, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables for an easy yet satisfying dinner.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: A Delicious One-Pot Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
1 cup orzo pasta
4 cups chicken broth
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup spinach, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the spinach, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until warm.
Step 3: Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Step 5: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
Step 6: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 7: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 8: Add the orzo pasta, stir to prevent sticking, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most broth is absorbed.
Step 9: Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 10: Fold in the chopped spinach and cooked chicken sausage. Allow the spinach to wilt.
Step 11: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to enhance creaminess and flavor.
Step 12: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat once well combined and heated through.
Step 13: Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use spicy chicken sausage for an extra kick or substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Adding a splash of white wine when sautéing onions can deepen the flavor.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also complement the dish in place of basil.

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and omit or use a dairy-free cheese substitute for the Parmesan.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: A Delicious One-Pot Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners Recipe

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4.6 from 97 reviews

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a delicious and comforting one-pot meal perfect for easy weeknight dinners. It features flavorful browned chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta cooked in rich chicken broth, fresh vegetables like spinach and cherry tomatoes, and a creamy blend of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This hearty dish combines simple ingredients and quick cooking steps to deliver a creamy, satisfying dinner that is both nutritious and full of vibrant flavors.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Dairy

1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Herbs

1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup spinach, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Grains and Liquids

1 cup orzo pasta
4 cups chicken broth

Seasonings and Oils

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the spinach, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, taking care not to burn it.
Add Cherry Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Cook Orzo in Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the orzo pasta and stir to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth.
Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Incorporate Spinach and Sausage: Fold in the chopped spinach and cooked chicken sausage. Let the spinach wilt and the sausage heat through.
Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the creamy texture and flavor.
Final Taste and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasonings if needed. Remove from heat and serve garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Storage and Reheating: Let leftovers cool completely, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the dish thickens.

Notes

You can use any flavor of chicken sausage to customize the dish to your liking.
Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
Stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
Use fresh spinach for best texture, but frozen spinach can be substituted—just thaw and drain well.
Leftovers reheat well and flavors develop even more after a day.

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