Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a rich, one-pan comfort dish that combines savory sausage, velvety cream, and tender pasta for a quick yet satisfying meal. It’s adaptable, balanced, and perfect for busy nights or special dinners alike.
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ▢ 12 ounces spicy Italian chicken sausage sliced
- ▢ 6 cloves garlic minced
- ▢ 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- ▢ 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ▢ ¼ cup full-fat canned coconut milk or heavy cream
- ▢ 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- ▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ▢ ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
- ▢ 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
- ▢ ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ▢ 2 cups baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn.
- Add the dry orzo to the skillet and toast it with the sausage and garlic for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits from the bottom, then stir in the coconut milk, soy sauce, all seasonings, and thyme. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the orzo simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo is done when it’s tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add the spinach leaves and cook for a couple of minutes until wilted, then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve and enjoy this creamy, flavorful orzo skillet!