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One Pan Creamy Orzo with Chicken Sausage

A delightful and comforting one-pan dish featuring creamy orzo pasta and flavorful chicken sausage, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Keyword: Chicken Sausage, comfort food, Creamy Orzo, Easy Dinner, One Pan Dish
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 475kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing and imparting rich flavor.
  • 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced Juicy, savory bites that add depth to the dish.
  • 1 each onion, chopped A classic flavor base that enhances the overall taste.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic and pungent, bringing warmth to your dish.
  • 1 cup orzo pasta Small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks beautifully in the sauce.
  • 4 cups chicken broth The flavorful liquid base that gives the dish its heart.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Rich and decadent, making every spoonful velvety smooth.
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped Freshness and nutrition, balancing the richness of the cream.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For a salty, cheesy finish that adds umami.
  • to taste Salt and black pepper Essential seasoning to elevate all flavors.
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped A pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Cooking

  • Stir in the orzo pasta and let it cook for about 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, and the cooked sausage. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the mixture thickens.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Consider adding red pepper flakes for heat, experiment with different cheeses, or incorporate other vegetables for additional nutrition. The dish can be made ahead and reheated when ready to serve.