Description

This creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet combines tender chicken sausage, orzo pasta, and a rich creamy sauce for an easy, one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is customizable with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta, making it a versatile and flavorful dish. A comforting meal that’s quick to prepare, with minimal clean-up!

Ingredients

For the Orzo Skillet:

1 tablespoon olive oil

12 oz chicken sausage (cheddar, feta, or your favorite variety), 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 for a lighter option)

1 teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta, depending on your sausage flavor)

Optional Add-Ins:

1 cup spinach or kale

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For Garnishing:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Extra grated cheese

Lemon zest

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Instructions

Sauté the Chicken Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics & Orzo:
In the same pan, add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Simmer the Orzo:
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid.
Make it Creamy:
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar (or feta for a Mediterranean twist). Mix until smooth. Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine. If using spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, add them now.
Finish & Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter version: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or use a lower-fat cream alternative.
For added heat: Stir in red pepper flakes during the simmering process for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetarian sausage and omit any meat products for a plant-based option.
Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish, One-Pan Meal
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean (if using feta and sun-dried tomatoes)