Description

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Featuring tender chicken sausage, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, this dish combines convenience with rich taste, making it a family favorite. It can be easily customized with your choice of vegetables or protein alternatives.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

3 chicken sausage links, sliced

Grains

1 cup orzo pasta

Dairy

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids

2 cups chicken broth

Vegetables & Aromatics

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped

Fats & Seasonings

1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Slice the chicken sausages into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and finely chop the onion to have everything ready for cooking.
Sauté Aromatics and Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, allowing the sausage to brown slightly.
Add Orzo and Liquids: Stir in the orzo pasta, coating it evenly with the oil and sausage mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
Simmer Orzo: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the orzo simmer until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finish with Cream and Cheese: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking on low heat until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. For best experience, pair with a fresh green salad or crusty garlic bread.

Notes

This dish can be easily customized with vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Chicken sausage can be substituted with turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative for dietary preferences.
Use low-fat cream or milk for a lighter version, but the dish will be less rich.
Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering orzo to avoid burning or sticking.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.