Description
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a one-pan dinner loaded with flavor, creamy texture, and protein-packed sausage.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Prep all ingredients: slice the chicken sausage, dice the onion, mince the garlic, grate the Parmesan and chop the parsley.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add the sliced sausage in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until both sides are golden brown, about 4 minutes.
4. Push the sausage to one side of the pan. Add the diced onion to the empty space and sauté for 3 minutes, until softened and translucent.
5. Stir the sausage and onion together, then add the garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring constantly, for 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant.
6. Pour in the orzo and stir to coat each grain in the flavorful oil, toasting it lightly for 1 minute.
7. Carefully pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom. Stir to combine.
8. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the orzo is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
9. Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
10. Add the baby spinach in batches, stirring after each addition until all leaves are wilted and incorporated.
11. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
12. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve straight from the skillet for that picture-perfect presentation.
Notes
Orzo continues to absorb sauce as it sits; you may need extra liquid before serving leftovers.
Cooking times may vary slightly with different orzo brands—aim for al dente.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and dairy-free Parmesan.
Nutritional values will depend on your exact ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Skillet Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Inspired / Comfort Food
Keywords: chicken sausage, creamy orzo, one pan dinner, skillet meal, easy comfort food, quick weeknight dinner, cheesy orzo skillet