Easy Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

ByUsman

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is warm, filling, and full of flavor. The smoky sausage, tender orzo pasta, and creamy sauce make it the perfect comfort food. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a healthy touch, while Parmesan brings a savory finish.

It’s a quick recipe that works great for weeknights. Since it’s cooked in one pan, cleanup is simple, and the result feels like a cozy, home-cooked dinner with very little effort.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken sausage slices and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add the orzo pasta and stir for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast it. This adds a nice nutty flavor.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Make it Creamy

Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return the sausage to the skillet and mix everything together. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: About 427 kcal per serving

Why This Recipe Works

  • Orzo pasta soaks up all the creamy, cheesy flavor.
  • Chicken sausage adds smoky richness without being heavy.
  • Spinach makes it fresh and nutritious.
  • One-pan cooking keeps things simple with less cleanup.

Easy Variations

  • Spicy version: Use hot Italian chicken sausage and red pepper flakes.
  • More veggies: Add mushrooms, peas, or roasted peppers.
  • Fresh herbs: Try basil, thyme, or rosemary.
  • Citrus touch: Add lemon zest or juice for brightness.
  • Cheese swap: Use Pecorino Romano or goat cheese instead of Parmesan.

Storage and Leftovers

  • Store in the fridge for 3–4 days.
  • Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
  • Can be frozen for up to 1 month—thaw overnight before reheating.

What to Serve With It

  • A crisp green salad with vinaigrette.
  • Garlic bread or dinner rolls.
  • A glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—easy, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s family-friendly, great for guests, and flexible enough to adjust with different flavors or ingredients. Once you try it, this one-pan meal will quickly become a go-to favorite.

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