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.
