One-Pan Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Paradise
This one-pan creamy chicken sausage orzo recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal that's packed with flavor. Perfectly cooked orzo, juicy chicken sausage, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious creamy sauce come together for a comforting and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven with lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Spoon or spatula
- Grater
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet Italian chicken sausage, removed from casings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced any color
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped optional garnish
Instructions
- Remove the chicken sausage from its casings. Crumble it into a large skillet or Dutch oven.
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. The sausage should be slightly crispy around the edges.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the onion is translucent and the bell pepper is slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat it with the sausage and vegetables. Toast the orzo for a minute or two, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should be tender and creamy.
- Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another minute or two, until the sauce is thickened and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality chicken sausage. Toasting the orzo before adding the broth helps prevent it from becoming gummy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to restore creaminess. You can substitute the spinach with other greens like kale. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.