Description
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo recipe is a one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a flavorful dish featuring Italian-style chicken sausage, orzo pasta, and a creamy base, garnished with fresh basil.
Ingredients
Italian-Style Chicken Sausage Orzo:
- Italian-style chicken sausage (sliced)
- Orzo pasta
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic (or shallot and garlic)
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Cream base (heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk)
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- Baby spinach or other leafy greens
- Dried herbs (oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Red chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot (or garlic) and cook until softened.
- Cook sausage and orzo: Add sausage and cook until browned. Stir in orzo and toast briefly.
- Add broth and cream: Pour in chicken broth and add cream, dried herbs, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer until orzo is tender.
- Finish the dish: Mix in spinach, then stir in Parmesan until melted. Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- This is a one-pan meal—minimal cleanup and perfect for busy weeknights.
- You can customize the cream base: heavy cream for richness, half-and-half for lighter creaminess, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes when sautéing the aromatics.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days—reheat gently with a splash of broth to revive creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
