Looking for a comforting, quick dinner that feels a little fancy without much fuss? Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is the answer to your busiest weeknights and those occasions when you just want a bowl of something irresistibly creamy with plenty of flavor. Tender orzo pasta gets lovingly coated in a velvety sauce, infused with juicy chicken sausage, fresh baby spinach, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s the sort of one-pan meal that wins over picky eaters and impresses dinner guests alike, all while keeping your kitchen cleanup to a minimum.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is how each ingredient plays a starring role. Just a handful of pantry and fridge staples come together to create a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why these ingredients matter:
- Olive Oil: Gives the sausage and onions a golden, flavorful start while keeping everything moist.
- Chicken Sausage: Adds savory, juicy protein with a hint of spice or sweetness, depending on your sausage choice.
- Yellow Onion: Brings delicious sweetness and richness as it softens in the pan.
- Garlic: Infuses the orzo with bold, aromatic flavor; fresh is best for depth.
- Dry Orzo Pasta: Acts as the tender, rice-shaped blank canvas that soaks up every drop of creamy sauce.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Simmered right in the same pan, keeps things light while building complexity.
- Heavy Cream: The star of the sauce, making everything luscious and silky without being overly rich.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts beautifully for a salty, nutty backbone to the finished dish.
- Baby Spinach: Wilts perfectly into the dish for pops of green and a bit of earthiness.
- Dried Oregano: Adds a subtle Mediterranean note that ties together sausage, spinach, and cheese.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle heat, sprinkle these in for some zing.
- Salt & Black Pepper: The finishing essentials to balance and brighten all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until both sides are beautifully browned. This develops deep, savory flavors and gives your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo a hearty foundation. It usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes and is absolutely worth the patience.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Once the sausage is golden, toss in the diced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes, allowing it to soften and turn translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic brown—it’ll continue to cook with the orzo soon!
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Scoot the sausage and veg to the sides of the pan and add the dry orzo right in the center. Toast it gently for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This simple trick gives the pasta a subtle nutty flavor, making your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo even more delicious and aromatic.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir everything together, making sure the orzo is mostly submerged. Let it cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent sticking, until the orzo is beautifully tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Wilt the Spinach
Lower the heat, then mix in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and all that fresh baby spinach. Stir gently until the spinach is wilted and the sauce has thickened to luxurious perfection. Your kitchen will smell heavenly right about now!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and cracked black pepper, then remove the pan from the heat. Look for a creamy, silky consistency where every grain of orzo is perfectly coated. Dish out while still warm and watch it disappear.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
Garnishes
A finishing flourish goes a long way here! Try a generous dusting of extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper, or even some lemon zest for brightness. A handful of chopped fresh parsley also brings fresh color and a mild herbal lift to every bite of your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo.
Side Dishes
This creamy dish stands confidently on its own but also loves a simple side. Try it with a crisp green salad, some roasted asparagus, or classic garlic bread to mop up the sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, a quick tomato-cucumber salad brings perfect contrast to the warm, cheesy orzo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party, spoon your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo into individual ramekins and broil for a minute with extra cheese on top. Or, ladle it alongside roasted veggies for a colorful, crowd-pleasing platter. You can also pack it up for a cozy office lunch that’ll make desk envy a real thing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully as it rests, making your next-day lunch irresistible. Just be sure to let the orzo cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating.
Freezing
Although orzo and creamy sauces can change texture after freezing, you can freeze Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo if needed. Portion it out into airtight, freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To revive that creamy consistency, reheat Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo gently in a saucepan with a splash of broth or milk. Stir over low heat until warmed through and smooth. The orzo will soak up some sauce in the fridge, so this simple touch makes it taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free orzo or small gluten-free pasta. Everything else in Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on any flavor.
What type Main Course
Both spicy and sweet varieties work beautifully, so use whatever you prefer or have on hand. Pre-cooked chicken sausage saves time, and you can experiment with different flavors like roasted garlic, apple, or Italian herbs for a twist on classic Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or even halved cherry tomatoes make lovely additions. Simply sauté them with the onions for added color and flavor in your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
For a lighter version, swap in half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You’ll get a slightly thinner sauce, but the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo will still be deliciously satisfying.
Can I prepare Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo in advance?
This dish is best freshly made, but you can prep ingredients like sliced sausage and chopped onion ahead of time to speed up weeknight cooking. Leftovers also reheat well, making Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo a perfect meal-prep contender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a feel-good, utterly craveable weeknight dinner, Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo deserves a spot on your menu. It’s comforting, adaptable, and guaranteed to coax out clean plates and big smiles. Give it a try and let it become your new go-to for effortless indulgence!
Print
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a delicious one-pan dinner that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This flavorful dish features tender orzo pasta cooked in a creamy sauce with chicken sausage, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces chicken sausage (sliced)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the orzo to the skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and baby spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor.
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