Are you ready to take your family dinners to a whole new level with an irresistible dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious? Let me introduce you to the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet! This one-pan meal is the answer to your weeknight woes, offering a kaleidoscope of flavors wrapped in a creamy, dreamy sauce. What could be better than a rich and creamy pasta that’s packed with protein and veggies, served in just under 30 minutes? Fun fact: orzo, which resembles rice, adds a unique texture to the dish but still feels like a pasta—there’s something magical about that! It’s highly customizable, making it perfect for picky eaters and busy families alike.
Fans of our popular One-Pot Pasta Primavera will appreciate the simplicity and heartiness of this dish, proving that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for convenience. Grab your skillet and join me in creating a meal that will make your tastebuds dance and have your family coming back for seconds!
What is Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet?
So, what exactly is this delightful creation known as Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet? You might be wondering why such a mouthful of a name? Well, let’s just say each word perfectly captures the essence of this dish! With creamy sauce, tender chicken sausage, and the delightful bite-size orzo, it’s a culinary triple threat. It’s like the culinary equivalent of winning the lottery—who doesn’t want creamy, savory, and quick all in one bite? As the classic saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, this dish is your ticket!
If you’re curious about what makes it so special, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and give it a whirl!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
There are three compelling reasons you’ll absolutely love this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet. First and foremost, the highlight of this dish is its incredible creaminess. The sauce envelops the orzo just like a warm hug on a cold day—there’s no better comfort food! Secondly, making it at home is significantly more cost-effective than ordering takeout, and you’ll know exactly what goes into your meal. Lastly, the addition of flavorful ingredients like sautéed garlic and fresh herbs elevates the dish to new heights. It’s a far cry from your run-of-the-mill pasta recipes. If you’re a fan of cozy one-pot meals, you’ll definitely enjoy our Cheesy Broccoli Rice Dish.
Ready to whip this up in your kitchen? Let’s dive in!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Quick Overview
The beauty of the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet lies in its sheer simplicity. This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want a great meal but don’t have the time—or the energy—to spend hours in the kitchen. With tender orzo, creamy sauce, and savory sausage, it’s everything you crave in a complete meal.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Here’s a quick rundown of all the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 lb Chicken sausage (sliced)
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 small Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Baby spinach
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Pour in the orzo and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente.
- Stir in Cream and Ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Return the chicken sausage to the skillet and mix everything well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken sausage orzo into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
What to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet With
Pair this delicious orzo skillet with a simple but delightful side salad for a lighter meal. A fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish splendidly. You could also serve it with some crusty garlic bread to soak up the leftover creamy goodness—or go all out and add a refreshing glass of white wine. Delish!
Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
- Substitutions: If chicken sausage isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it for turkey sausage or even a vegetarian alternative. The dish is versatile!
- Herbs and Spices: Don’t be afraid to add your favorite herbs or spices to the mix! Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil can elevate the flavors even more.
- Consistency Matters: If you like a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer to reduce the liquid, but be careful not to overcook the orzo!
- Avoiding Common Mistakes: Ensure not to overcrowd the pan when sautéing the sausage. This helps in browning them nicely, which adds flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and heat gently on the stove until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to recreate that creamy consistency.
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is so easy, flavorful, and satisfying. Trust me, once you make it at home, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation! Happy cooking!
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken sausage (sliced) Feel free to use turkey sausage or a vegetarian alternative.
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer.
- 1 small Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Can adjust according to preference.
- 1 cup Baby spinach
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated) For garnish, optional.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for cooking tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the orzo and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente.
- Stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Return the chicken sausage to the skillet and mix everything well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the creamy chicken sausage orzo into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
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