Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a delicious, one-pan meal packed with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes. With tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce, this dish is both hearty and nutritious. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it’s a quick and satisfying meal for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Convenience: Fewer dishes, less hassle. Everything cooks in one skillet.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein and fresh veggies.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- Chicken sausage (spicy or mild)
- Orzo pasta
- Garlic (chopped or minced)
- Chicken broth
- Coconut milk (or heavy cream, half and half, or milk)
- Soy sauce
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh spinach
- Fresh thyme (optional; you can also use sage, rosemary, or parsley)
- Seasonings: salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Make it Creamy: Pour in the coconut milk and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, add the spinach, Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well mixed.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Use Different Proteins: Swap chicken sausage for ground chicken, turkey, or beef.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese and coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Extra Vegetables: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for more nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free orzo or rice instead of traditional orzo.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy. Stir until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use any variety of chicken or turkey sausage, depending on your preference.
Is orzo a type of rice?
No, orzo is a small pasta shaped like rice grains.
Can I use regular cream instead of coconut milk?
Yes, heavy cream, half and half, or whole milk can be used as substitutes.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Use a spicier sausage and add extra crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes! Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or mozzarella work well in this recipe.
What can I serve with this?
A fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish perfectly.
How can I prevent the orzo from sticking?
Stir occasionally while simmering and ensure there’s enough liquid in the skillet.
Can I make this a meal prep dish?
Yes, it stores well and reheats easily, making it great for meal prepping.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even cooked rice.
How can I make it more filling?
Add extra protein like grilled chicken breast or serve it with a side of bread.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With quick preparation, wholesome ingredients, and a creamy, satisfying texture, it’s a fantastic go-to meal for any occasion.
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal, ready in just 20 minutes! Made with tender orzo, savory chicken sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner. Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is both comforting and nutritious.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken sausage (spicy or mild), sliced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream, half and half, or milk)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional; or use sage, rosemary, or parsley)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced chicken sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Orzo and Broth
- Stir in orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 8–10 minutes).
- Make it Creamy
- Pour in coconut milk and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, add spinach, Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.
- Season and Serve
- Add salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Best Sausage Options: Chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage work well.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use coconut milk.
- For Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Swap orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice.
