Description
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a rich, one-pan dinner made with spicy Italian chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan. It comes together in about 25 minutes and serves four, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
12 ounces spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry orzo pasta
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk (or heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk)
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjusted to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme (optional)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the sliced sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
2. Stir in the dry orzo and let it toast for about a minute with the sausage and garlic.
3. Add the broth, coconut milk, soy sauce, and seasonings, stirring well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.
Notes
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly; small pasta shapes or rice can be substituted if necessary.
For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese and use coconut milk or another plant-based alternative.
The sausage can be replaced with chicken, turkey, pork, beef, or left out for a vegetarian version.
Additional vegetables such as mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or other greens can be added.
Adjust the red pepper flakes and seasoning to control the spice level.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days; the orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so it is best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American (Italian-inspired)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 358
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1147 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg