Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: A Quick & Indulgent One-Pan Meal
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a quick, protein-packed one-pan meal that combines savory chicken sausage with tender orzo in a rich sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Keyword: comfort food, Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo, Customizable Meal, Easy Recipe, One-Pan Meal, Quick Dinner
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450kcal
For the Base
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil
- 12 ounces Chicken Sausage Consider cheddar, feta, or turkey sausage for variety
- 0.5 cup Onion Finely chopped; yellow or sweet onions recommended
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
For the Orzo
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta Can substitute with gluten-free pasta
- 2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for vegetarian option
For Creaminess
- 0.5 cup Heavy Cream Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Fresh thyme can be used for better flavor
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika can add a delightful twist
For Seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper Increase for a spicier kick
For Melting Goodness
- 0.5 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Feta cheese is a great alternative
For Added Nutrition
- 1 cup Spinach or Kale Optional
- 0.5 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Optional for Mediterranean flavor
- 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional; adjust to taste
For Garnishing
- Fresh Parsley, chopped For garnish
- Extra Grated Cheese & Lemon Zest For garnish
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the sliced chicken sausage for about 3-5 minutes until nicely browned and fragrant, then set aside to keep warm.
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic for 30 seconds, then add orzo and toast it for 1 minute.
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Add dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cover and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender.
Lower the heat, and gently stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until everything is smooth. Add the browned sausage back along with any optional greens or sun-dried tomatoes.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, extra cheese, and lemon zest. Serve warm.
This creamy chicken sausage orzo recipe is a fantastic canvas to create your culinary masterpiece, with endless combinations you can whip up!
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 10mg