Description
A comforting one-pan dish featuring creamy orzo, sautéed chicken sausage, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage (cheddar, feta, or your favorite variety)
- 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
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated cheese
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Sauté the chicken sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and caramelize for 3-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics & orzo: In the same pan, add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
- Simmer the orzo: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up flavorful bits. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes.
- Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream and cheddar (or feta). Return chicken sausage to skillet, adding spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Mix until combined.
- Finish & serve: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, extra cheese, and lemon zest. Serve warm.
Notes
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. Adjust the greens and sausage according to your preferences for additional flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo, one-pan meal, comfort food, pasta dishes, easy recipes