Description
A cozy one-pan dish blending orzo with savory chicken sausage, creamy cheese, and light spices, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage, 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)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta)
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra grated cheese, for serving
- Lemon zest, for brightness
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3–5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo to the pan and stir for about 1 minute until it gets a nutty sheen.
- Pour in chicken broth, add thyme, paprika, salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 8–10 minutes until orzo absorbs most of the liquid and is tender.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked sausage and fold in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes if using.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and lemon zest. Serve warm.
Notes
For a creamier texture, use Greek yogurt instead of cream, or add butter for richness. This dish can be adapted with different cheeses or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: orzo, creamy chicken sausage, one-pan meal, quick dinner, family-friendly