Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Equipment
- skillet
Ingredients
For the Orzo
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with vegetable oil.
- 12 oz Chicken Sausage Sliced; use cheddar, feta, or your favorite variety.
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta Can be swapped with gluten-free pasta.
- 2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Vegetable broth can be utilized for vegetarian option.
For the Creamy Sauce
- 0.5 cup Heavy Cream Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Oregano or Italian seasoning work well as substitutes.
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika Use smoked paprika for a more robust flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to broth used.
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper Add more for extra spice.
- 0.5 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Feta works well depending on sausage flavor.
For Color & Texture
- 0.5 cup Onion Finely chopped; substitute: shallots for milder flavor.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced; use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
- 1 cup Spinach or Kale Optional; boosts nutrition.
- 0.5 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Optional; adds Mediterranean flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional; use less for milder taste.
- Fresh Parsley For garnish; substitute with basil or cilantro.
- Lemon Zest For brightness; lime zest can be a substitute.
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until lightly browned (about 3-5 minutes). Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Then, stir in the orzo and toast it for 1 minute.
- Carefully pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet for flavor. Add the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until smooth. Return the cooked chicken sausage and mix in the optional spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and lemon zest. Serve warm.
Notes
For extra richness, drizzle a splash of olive oil before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 500mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 10mg
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