Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: A One-Pan Meal

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is the ultimate one-pan meal, combining tender chicken sausage, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo for a comforting and easy dinner. It’s a quick, satisfying dish that’s full of flavor and requires minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken sausage orzo is an easy, flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy sauce, made with a mix of cheese and broth, creates a rich and comforting base that complements the savory chicken sausage. The orzo adds a lovely bite, and the entire dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it both convenient and delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb chicken sausage (sliced or crumbled)

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken sausage, breaking it up into pieces, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the orzo, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid has thickened.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve topped with fresh parsley, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Use vegetarian sausage or replace the sausage with mushrooms for a plant-based twist.

Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Different Pasta: You can substitute orzo with other small pasta like farfalle, penne, or fusilli.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, any type of sausage will work, but chicken sausage is lighter and works particularly well in this dish.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.

3. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! You can add spinach, bell peppers, or peas to make it even more colorful and nutritious.

4. What can I use instead of orzo?
If you don’t have orzo, small pasta like rice-shaped pasta, farro, or quinoa can be a great substitute.

5. How do I know when the orzo is cooked?
Orzo should be tender but still al dente. Taste it after 10 minutes of cooking to check.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat with a little extra liquid.

7. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half will work, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.

8. How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Be sure to add the cream at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to avoid curdling.

9. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

10. Can I freeze leftovers?
This dish freezes well. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is an easy, comforting dish that combines hearty sausage, rich cream, and tender orzo for a satisfying meal. With minimal ingredients and preparation time, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy days and a family-friendly favorite.

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