Description
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a quick, one-pan meal loaded with flavor! A light yet satisfying dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Skillet:
- 12 oz (340g) chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Sauce:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Lemon zest or juice for brightness
Instructions
1. Sauté the Chicken Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics & Orzo
- In the same skillet, add onion and sauté for 2 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add orzo pasta, stirring constantly for 1 minute to lightly toast it.
3. Cook the Orzo
- Pour in chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
4. Add the Vegetables & Creamy Sauce
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach, letting them soften.
- Reduce heat to low and add milk, Parmesan cheese, and Greek yogurt (or sour cream), stirring until creamy.
- Add back the cooked chicken sausage, mixing well to coat everything in the sauce.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cozy dish!
Notes
✔ Use pre-cooked chicken sausage – It’s flavorful and quick to cook.
✔ Toast the orzo – Lightly toasting it adds extra depth of flavor.
✔ Simmer gently – Avoid high heat to keep the orzo from overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450