Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: A Cozy Dinner Delight

Name: Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried oregano

Published: April 25, 2025

by Vanessa

Why You'll Love This Recipe

You can whip up this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
The rich flavors blend beautifully for an unforgettable meal that impresses.
Its creamy texture and vibrant colors will make it a showstopper on any dinner table.
Versatile enough to adapt to seasonal veggies or pantry staples, it’s your go-to dish for any occasion.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Chicken Sausage: Opt for your favorite variety; chicken sausage adds great flavor without overpowering the dish.
Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully, making it an excellent choice for this recipe. beef and pepper rice bowls.
Fresh Spinach: Adds a pop of color and nutrients; look for vibrant green leaves that are not wilted.
Heavy Cream: For that indulgent creaminess that makes each bite feel luxurious—feel free to use a lighter alternative if you prefer.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to keep the flavors balanced without overwhelming saltiness.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated freshly adds depth of flavor; it melts beautifully into the creamy sauce.

For seasoning:

Garlic Powder: This adds aromatic goodness without the hassle of fresh garlic prep time.
Dried Oregano: Brings a Mediterranean flair; it’s like sprinkling sunshine over your dish!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping your chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and fit comfortably on your fork.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped chicken sausage. Sauté until they’re golden brown and sizzling—this should take about five minutes. The smell will have you questioning why you ever ordered takeout!

Step 3: Add Orzo and Broth

Pour in the orzo pasta and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring everything to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to low. Allow it simmer gently until the orzo absorbs most of the broth, which usually takes around eight minutes.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Once the orzo is tender (and you’re tempted to eat it straight from the pan), stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is creamy and dreamy—your kitchen will start smelling like heaven.

Step 5: Incorporate Fresh Spinach

Toss in fresh spinach and cook just until wilted; this should only take about two minutes. Your vibrant greens will add color as well as nutrition—after all, we need balance!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Once everything is combined and heated through, remove from heat. Spoon generous portions onto plates or into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every delicious bite of your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo—it’s bound to become one of your favorites!

You Must Know

This amazing chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then set it aside to rest. Next, cook the orzo in a separate pot. While the pasta simmers, prepare your creamy sauce to ensure everything is perfectly timed and deliciously coordinated.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or add some sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Experiment with different herbs, such as basil or oregano, to elevate the dish further and make it your own. strawberry spinach salad.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve a perfect creamy consistency, remember not to boil your sauce vigorously after adding cream.
It could curdle!
Also, always taste as you go; adjustment is key!
Lastly, let your cooked chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

It’s funny how I once made this dish for a potluck and ended up with all my friends asking for seconds—some even asked for my secret! I realized then that cooking is not just about the food; it’s about creating memories together.

FAQs:

What is Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo?

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a delicious and comforting dish that features orzo pasta cooked in a creamy sauce, combined with flavorful chicken sausage. Using chicken sausage instead of pork keeps the recipe light and versatile. one pot shrimp orzo recipe This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, providing both satisfaction and flavor without requiring extensive cooking skills.

Can I substitute orzo with other pasta types in Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo?

Yes, you can certainly experiment with different pasta shapes in your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo. While orzo provides a unique texture, small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice can work well too. creamy parmesan chicken and rice Just remember to adjust the cooking times according to the pasta type you choose for optimal results.

Is Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo makes an excellent meal prep option. You can prepare a large batch at the beginning of the week and store it in airtight containers. Reheat servings throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more enjoyable on subsequent days.

How can I make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version of Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo, simply replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor without dairy. This way, you can enjoy a rich and creamy texture while keeping the dish entirely free from animal-derived ingredients.

Conclusion for Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo:

In summary, Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is an easy-to-make dish that delivers comfort and flavor without complicated steps. By using chicken sausage and plant-based alternatives, this recipe caters to various dietary preferences while remaining delicious. Whether you’re preparing it for family dinners or meal prepping for the week, this creamy delight is sure to please everyone at your table. Enjoy experimenting with ingredients to make it your own!

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