Description

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a delicious and comforting one-pot meal perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Featuring tender chicken sausage, a rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, this dish offers a fantastic combination of flavors with minimal cleanup. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite vegetables or alternative protein options, making it ideal for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

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Ingredients

1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: fresh spinach or bell peppers for added vegetables

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Instructions

Prepare the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Cook the orzo: Add orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat it with the oil and aromatics. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Add cream and sausage: Stir in heavy cream and the cooked chicken sausage. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, stir in fresh spinach or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking until wilted or softened. Serve warm, optionally with a fresh green salad or crusty garlic bread.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
To keep this recipe gluten free, use gluten-free orzo or a small pasta alternative like rice or quinoa.
Make sure to stir frequently when adding cream to prevent scorching on the bottom of the pan.
This recipe can be easily doubled for meal prep or larger families.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American