Description
Looking for a quick and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love? Try this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: A One-Pan Meal. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delightful combination of tender chicken sausage and orzo pasta, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. This dish not only offers comfort but also requires minimal cleanup since it’s all cooked in one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this meal is easily customizable with your favorite ingredients and packed with protein to keep you feeling full.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage (cheddar, feta, or your choice), sliced
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta)
- 1 cup spinach or kale (for extra greens)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (for a Mediterranean twist)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated cheese
- Lemon zest (for brightness)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in orzo pasta and toast briefly before adding chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until liquid is absorbed.
- Lower heat, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until smooth. Return sausage to the skillet along with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Garnish with parsley before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg