Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo (Print Version)
Silky orzo with chicken sausage, herbs, cheese, and greens creates irresistible depth and satisfying flavor.
# Ingredients:
→ Orzo Skillet
01 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
02 -
12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced
03 -
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 cup orzo pasta
06 -
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
08 -
1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 -
1/2 teaspoon paprika
10 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
11 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 -
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or feta cheese
→ Optional Add-Ins
13 -
1 cup spinach or kale
14 -
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
15 -
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
→ Garnishing
16 -
Fresh parsley, chopped
17 -
Extra grated cheese
18 -
Lemon zest
# Steps:
01 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove sausage from pan and set aside.
02 -
Add finely chopped onion to the same skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add orzo pasta and toast, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
03 -
Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet. Add dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo has absorbed most of the liquid.
04 -
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese or feta. Mix until smooth. Return cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Add spinach or kale, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using.
05 -
Remove skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley, extra grated cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm.
# Notes:
01 -
To prevent orzo from sticking, stir the skillet occasionally as it simmers.
02 -
Either feta or cheddar cheese enhances the creamy texture based on the chicken sausage style.