Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Looking for a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s both comforting and quick? This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet brings together the delicious flavors of spicy Italian chicken sausage, creamy coconut milk, and tender orzo in one pan. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this recipe is full of bold flavors and can be made in just under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy nights when you want something hearty and wholesome.

The combination of creamy sauce and savory sausage provides a perfect balance of flavors, while the orzo adds a soft, pasta-like texture that complements the richness of the dish. Baby spinach gives the skillet a fresh, vibrant touch, while the Parmesan adds a cheesy, savory depth. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to treat yourself to a cozy dinner, this dish checks all the boxes.

Easy to prepare, customizable, and incredibly delicious, the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. Perfectly balanced and packed with flavor, it’s guaranteed to please your taste buds with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Meal

This recipe requires just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Everything cooks in one pan, from the sausage to the orzo, allowing all the flavors to meld together for a perfect bite.

2. Quick and Easy

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, so you can have a flavorful, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

3. Full of Flavor

The spicy Italian chicken sausage infuses the dish with a robust flavor, while the creamy coconut milk or heavy cream creates a rich sauce that coats the orzo beautifully. The combination of garlic, thyme, and soy sauce adds layers of savory depth.

4. Versatile

This recipe is highly customizable. You can use different types of sausage, add extra veggies, or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

5. Healthy and Wholesome

Packed with lean protein from the chicken sausage, vitamins from the spinach, and fiber from the orzo, this dish is a delicious and nutritious option for any meal.

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Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo, dry
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk, or heavy cream
• 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves

Variations

1. Switch the Sausage

If you prefer a milder flavor, swap the spicy Italian chicken sausage for a sweet or mild chicken sausage. You can also use turkey sausage or even a vegetarian sausage alternative.

2. Add More Vegetables

Feel free to load this dish up with your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would all make excellent additions to the skillet.

3. Use Dairy-Free Cream

If you’re looking to make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

4. Make It Extra Cheesy

For an extra cheesy version, add more Parmesan or even a handful of mozzarella cheese towards the end of cooking and let it melt into the creamy sauce.

5. Spicy Variations

If you enjoy extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or stir in a dash of hot sauce when cooking the sausage for an even spicier kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Add the dry orzo to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream, fresh thyme, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Add the Sausage and Spinach

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir in the baby spinach. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the sausage to heat through.

Step 6: Serve

Once everything is combined and the spinach is wilted, serve the creamy chicken sausage orzo hot. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Stir the Orzo Frequently: Stir the orzo while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
2. Adjust the Creaminess: If you want a creamier dish, add more coconut milk or heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
3. Watch the Salt: If you’re using store-bought chicken broth, be cautious with the added salt as it can make the dish too salty.
4. Make it Spicy or Mild: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
5. Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t become mushy. It should be tender but still hold its shape.

How to Serve

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a light side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For extra flavor, sprinkle more Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh herbs on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover creamy chicken sausage orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if it’s too thick.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or coconut milk to rehydrate the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use turkey sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well in this recipe for a lighter alternative.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

4. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them before adding the garlic and orzo.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the sausage and spinach. Store the cooked orzo in the fridge and add the sausage and spinach when ready to serve.

6. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat it with a little extra broth to restore its creamy texture.

7. Can I use fresh sausage instead of pre-cooked?

Yes, you can use fresh Italian chicken sausage. Just cook it thoroughly before adding the garlic and orzo.

8. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To make the dish spicier, add more red pepper flakes, or use spicy sausage to enhance the heat.

9. Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth or even beef broth if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.

10. How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?

Make sure to stir the orzo while cooking and add enough liquid to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Conclusion

The Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a deliciously satisfying dish that combines bold flavors, creamy sauce, and tender orzo. Perfect for busy nights when you want a wholesome meal without the fuss, this recipe is full of flavor and can be customized to your taste. With just one pan and minimal effort, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful dish ready to enjoy in no time.

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