Description
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo combines savory chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce for a comforting one-pan meal that’s quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken sausages, casing removed and sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat it in the oil, garlic, and onion. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook the orzo for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the orzo is creamy. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme to taste.
- Add the cooked chicken sausage back into the skillet and stir everything together. Let it cook for another minute to heat the sausage through. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute with another small pasta like elbow macaroni, farfalle, or penne. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- If you want a spicier version, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a chopped jalapeño when cooking the onions and garlic.
- For added protein, you can incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
