Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and honestly, I can’t get enough of it! I stumbled upon this dish one busy weeknight when I needed something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor—and boy, did it deliver! Using just one skillet means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book! The creamy sauce combined with the savory chicken sausage and tender orzo makes every bite feel like a cozy evening at home. Trust me, you’ll want to make this over and over again, whether for a family dinner or just a little indulgence for yourself. So, let’s dive into the magic of this delicious recipe!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:
- 1 lb chicken sausage (any flavor you like)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a creamy, comforting meal that’s sure to impress! Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go so you can enjoy the cooking process and that fantastic aroma filling your kitchen!
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a cozy, delicious meal in no time!
Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the chicken sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. You’ll want to brown it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden and cooked through. The sizzling sound and that mouthwatering aroma will let you know you’re on the right track!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring them around until they soften—about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion turns translucent and the garlic starts to smell heavenly. Just be careful not to burn the garlic; we want it fragrant, not bitter!
Step 3: Add Orzo
Now, it’s time to stir in the orzo pasta. Cook it for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. It should get a little toasty, which adds extra flavor! Trust me, this little step makes a big difference.
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You want the orzo to be tender and absorb that delicious broth. Keep an eye on it, giving it a stir occasionally!
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Spinach
After the orzo is perfectly cooked, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down and everything is creamy and dreamy. This is where the magic really happens!
Step 6: Finish with Cheese, Salt, and Pepper
Finally, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all together until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Give it a taste—this is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in just 30 minutes!
- One skillet means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Rich and creamy with a delightful hint of savory chicken sausage.
- Comfort food at its finest, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite spices or veggies for a personal touch.
Trust me, once you try this irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To make your irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet truly shine, here are a few tips that I swear by:
- Don’t rush the browning: Make sure to give the chicken sausage enough time to develop that golden-brown color. It adds so much flavor!
- Stir regularly: When you add the orzo and broth, stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- Fresh ingredients are key: Using fresh spinach and high-quality chicken sausage makes a noticeable difference in flavor!
- Season to taste: Remember to taste as you go! Everyone’s palate is different, so adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
- Leftovers are a treat: This dish reheats beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make extra for lunch the next day!
These little tips will help you achieve the best results and make your cooking experience even more enjoyable!
Nutritional Information Section
When you’re diving into this irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet, it’s always nice to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. But this gives you a great idea of the deliciousness packed in each plate! Enjoy your meal without any guilt—it’s perfect comfort food!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any flavor of chicken sausage you love, or even try turkey or plant-based options for a twist.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half works great! You could also use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and combine them just before serving to maintain that creamy texture.
How can I add more veggies?
Go for it! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms can make fantastic additions. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic for extra flavor.
Is orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat, but you can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or other grains. Just check the package!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet are a delightful treat for the next day! To store, simply transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing, so it doesn’t trap steam and affect the texture.
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key! I recommend warming it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or a little more cream to keep it creamy and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave—just cover it loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy that cozy comfort all over again!
Print
Irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet in 30 minutes!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and creamy chicken sausage orzo dish cooked in one skillet.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the chicken sausage in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and spinach, cook until spinach wilts.
- Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, mix well.
Notes
- Use any flavor of chicken sausage you prefer.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- This dish is best served immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet
