Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Are you looking for a delicious, easy-to-make, and satisfying dinner that comes together in one skillet? Look no further! Our Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is the trending recipe you need in your life. This dish is packed with flavor, incredibly comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights. Say goodbye to piles of dirty dishes and hello to a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends.

This recipe combines tender orzo pasta with savory chicken sausage, vibrant spinach, and a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s a complete meal in itself, offering a perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Get ready to add this to your regular rotation!

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time for you!
Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes.
Incredibly Flavorful: A harmonious blend of savory sausage, rich cream, and aromatic seasonings.
Comforting: A warm and hearty meal that truly satisfies.
Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or protein.

Let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb chicken sausage, casing removed and crumbled (or sliced into rounds)
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
3 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
5 oz fresh spinach
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled chicken sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If using sliced sausage, cook until lightly browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Add Orzo and Broth

Stir the uncooked orzo pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s coated with the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Incorporate Sausage and Spinach

Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet. Add the fresh spinach, a handful at a time, stirring until it wilts into the sauce. This will happen quickly.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Season the skillet with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.

Tips and Variations:

Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes for an extra kick, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Veggie Boost: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes along with the onion.
Cheese Please: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavor profiles.
Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano would also be fantastic additions.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with a full-fat coconut milk (for a slight coconut flavor) or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions:

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a complete meal on its own. However, if you'd like to complement it, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread would be perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.