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- 1 lb (450g) chicken sausage - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup baby spinach - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 1 small onion - 2 cloves garlic - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper - Fresh basil Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Each one plays a vital role in the flavor and texture of the dish. Chicken sausage adds a savory flavor and pairs well with the orzo. Use any type you like, such as spicy or mild. Orzo pasta is small and cooks quickly, soaking up the broth and cream. Chicken broth gives the dish moisture and depth. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt. Heavy cream creates that rich and creamy sauce everyone loves. Baby spinach adds color and nutrition. It wilts down nicely, making it easy to include in the meal. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and a pop of flavor. You will need a small onion and garlic for a solid flavor base. Italian seasoning gives it an aromatic touch. Use olive oil for sautéing. It’s healthy and enhances the dish's richness. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Finally, fresh basil makes a great garnish, adding a fresh note to your creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet. Make sure you have everything ready. This will help you enjoy the cooking process. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. Next, add minced garlic and sliced chicken sausage to the skillet. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until the sausage turns a nice brown color. This step builds a strong base of flavor. Now, stir in the orzo pasta and pour in the chicken broth. Add the Italian seasoning for extra taste. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. The orzo will soak up the broth and become tender. Check the texture; it should be just right. Once the orzo is cooked, it’s time to finish the dish. Stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, and halved cherry tomatoes. Mix everything well. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes warm up. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve this creamy delight immediately, and don’t forget to add fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor. To get the best texture for orzo, cook it until it’s just tender. You want it to be firm but not hard. If it gets too soft, it can turn mushy. Always stir the orzo as it cooks. This helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking. When adjusting flavors, taste the dish as you go. Add salt and pepper a little at a time until it’s just right. If you like more herbs, add more Italian seasoning. You can also mix in some lemon juice for a fresh kick. Garnishing with fresh basil makes your dish pop. Tear the basil leaves by hand for a rustic look. You can also sprinkle some finely chopped basil on top for a burst of color and flavor. For a colorful dish, add more veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or peas. They not only add color but also extra nutrients. Mix them in right before serving to keep them bright and crisp. Pro Tips Use Quality Chicken Sausage: Opt for a high-quality chicken sausage for enhanced flavor and texture. Look for varieties without fillers or preservatives for a healthier option. Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo while it simmers. It should be al dente, as it will continue to absorb liquid and cook slightly after being removed from heat. Add More Greens: Feel free to add additional leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for extra nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so they wilt properly. Customize Your Seasoning: Adjust the Italian seasoning to suit your taste. Experiment by adding crushed red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. {{image_2}} You can replace chicken sausage with other proteins. Try turkey sausage for a leaner choice. Ground chicken or beef also works well. If you want a meat-free meal, use plant-based sausage. They add great flavor and texture too. You can swap out heavy cream for lighter options. Coconut milk or cashew cream makes a nice substitute. They both add creaminess without extra calories. Seasonal veggies are a great addition as well. In the summer, add zucchini or bell peppers. In the fall, try butternut squash or mushrooms. These swaps keep your dish fresh and exciting! To keep your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Place the container in the fridge. Consume the leftovers within three days for the best taste. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also microwave it. Cover the dish to retain moisture. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to save this meal for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as the orzo will expand. Label the container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight. For a quicker method, use the microwave. After thawing, reheat it in a skillet with a bit of chicken broth. Stir frequently until it’s heated through. This way, you’ll enjoy the same creamy texture. How can I make the dish lighter? To lighten the dish, you can use less heavy cream. Try half-and-half instead. You can also add more veggies, like zucchini or bell peppers. This adds flavor and cuts calories. Another option is to use turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage for a leaner protein. Can I prepare it ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Make the orzo and sausage mix, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just heat it on the stove and add the cream and veggies. This makes dinner quick and easy! What can I serve with it? This creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet pairs well with a simple salad. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is great. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. If you want a side dish, garlic bread works well too. This blog post shared a simple, tasty recipe for creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and useful storage tips. You can easily change the recipe to fit your tastes or ingredients on hand. Remember, cooking is fun and a chance to be creative. Enjoy making this dish for friends and family. The joy of sharing good food is what really matters.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

A delicious one-pan meal featuring chicken sausage, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables in a creamy sauce.
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Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and sliced chicken sausage to the skillet; continue sautéing for another 5-6 minutes until the sausage is browned.
  • Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, and halved cherry tomatoes. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are heated through.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.
Keyword chicken sausage, creamy pasta, orzo, skillet meal