Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
This creamy chicken sausage orzo is a comforting one-pan meal combining tender orzo pasta, flavorful chicken sausage, and a rich creamy sauce. Enhanced with garlic, herbs, and optional greens or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and brightness, it’s an easy skillet dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo Skillet 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)
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter and tangier version.
- Feel free to swap chicken sausage with turkey or pork sausage if preferred.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- To keep it vegetarian, omit sausage and add mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.
- Make sure to stir frequently during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: creamy chicken sausage orzo, one-pan meal, orzo pasta recipe, creamy pasta skillet, easy dinner recipe
Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/creamy-chicken-sausage-orzo-recipe/
