Chicken Sausage and Orzo Skillet Recipe
This Chicken Sausage and Orzo Pasta skillet is a quick, comforting, and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring savory chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a creamy parmesan sauce, it combines ease with deliciousness, making it an ideal family-friendly dinner that requires minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or butter
- 4–5 chicken sausages, sliced
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1¼ cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2½ cups fresh spinach
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh thyme, optional (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a 12-inch cast iron skillet on medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil or butter to warm up.
- Sauté onions: Add the diced yellow onion and cook for 1-2 minutes until they start softening and becoming translucent.
- Cook the sausage: Stir in the sliced chicken sausages and cook together with the onions for 4-5 minutes until the sausage is browned and heated through.
- Toast the orzo: Add 1¼ cups of orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it with the sausage and onions for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add cream and simmer: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate spinach and cheese: Once orzo is tender, stir in 2½ cups fresh spinach and ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese. Allow the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt into the sauce.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh thyme, then serve the warm, creamy chicken sausage and orzo skillet immediately for a cozy, satisfying dinner.
Notes
- Use chicken broth with low sodium for better control of saltiness.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Fresh thyme adds a nice herbal aroma but can be skipped if unavailable.
- Ensure to stir occasionally during simmering to avoid the orzo sticking to the skillet.
- Can be prepared ahead and reheated; add a splash of broth or water when reheating to maintain creaminess.
Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/chicken-sausage-and-orzo-skillet-recipe/
