If you are looking for a dish that perfectly marries comfort with sophisticated flavors, this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken sausage, cheesy cream sauce, and buttery orzo pasta, all mingling together with fresh spinach to create a meal that feels both hearty and fresh. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe offers a satisfying experience that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color, ensuring that every bite is a perfect harmony of taste and comfort.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich base to gently cook the sausage and vegetables while enhancing their natural flavors.
- Chicken sausage: Adds protein-packed flavor with a savory, slightly smoky character that makes this dish truly special.
- Onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth once sautéed, balancing the creaminess perfectly.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth that elevates the entire recipe with just a hint of spice.
- Orzo pasta: This little rice-shaped pasta is the star carbohydrate, soaking up all those delicious juices and cream.
- Chicken broth: Creates the flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the orzo with extra savoriness.
- Heavy cream: Delivers luscious creaminess for that indulgent texture everyone loves.
- Baby spinach: Adds freshness and vibrant green color while boosting the nutritional value.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce creating a nutty, salty finish that brings everything together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors to perfection.
- Fresh parsley: Garnishes the dish with a burst of herbal brightness and inviting color.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage, and cook until it is nicely browned on the outside and fully cooked through, usually about 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set aside to keep that rich, savory flavor for later. This step locks in the sausage’s juices and builds a tasty base for the next steps.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft—this brings out its natural sweetness. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. This step fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma and lays down a fragrant foundation for the creamy sauce to come.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Introduce the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. Toasting the orzo lightly helps develop a subtle nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy later on. This small step adds a nuanced layer to the dish’s texture.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour the chicken broth over the toasted orzo and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The orzo will absorb the broth, swell up, and become perfectly tender all while soaking in that rich chicken flavor. This simmering step is where the dish really starts to come together.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
After the orzo has absorbed most of the broth, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts, and the sauce thickens beautifully. This creamy mixture is the heart and soul of the recipe, turning simple ingredients into a luscious, comforting meal.
Step 6: Add the Sausage Back In
Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet, folding it into the creamy orzo mixture. Season everything generously with salt and pepper to taste. Combining the sausage at this stage ensures you get a perfect balance of meatiness in every bite, coated with that irresistible sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Not only does this add a pop of fresh color, but it also lends a hint of herbal brightness that complements the rich creaminess of the dish. Your creamy chicken sausage orzo is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is a classic choice for garnishing this dish, bringing freshness and visual appeal. You can also add a scattering of extra grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch or some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a gentle kick to contrast the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, green salads or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. A slice of crusty garlic bread is also perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. These sides provide a wonderful balance, adding brightness and crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the dish in individual shallow bowls and add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice on top to brighten the flavors. You can even plate it alongside roasted tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for extra indulgence. Presentation can elevate this humble dish into a stunning centerpiece for any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce and pasta will slightly thicken as they chill, so give it a good stir when reheating to bring back that luscious texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but be mindful that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and consume within 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. If the dish looks too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and recapture that silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great substitute and will offer a similar texture and mild flavor, allowing the cream and cheese elements to shine through.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken sausage with sliced mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a creamy, satisfying dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese to keep the dish creamy without dairy.
What type of orzo should I buy?
Regular orzo rice-shaped pasta works best here. Look for good-quality orzo made from durum wheat semolina to ensure it holds its texture after cooking.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, include crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions or serve with hot sauce on the side for those who want an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to add a new favorite to your dinner repertoire, don’t hesitate to try this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe. It’s a heartfelt, cozy dish that combines ease, flavor, and comfort in every spoonful. Once you taste the creamy, garlicky sauce mingling with tender sausage and spinach, you’ll understand why this recipe deserves a special place in your kitchen rotation.
Print
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and creamy chicken sausage orzo dish combining savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, baby spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a luscious sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Toast Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly toast the rice-shaped pasta and enhance its flavor.
- Simmer Orzo in Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cream, Cheese, and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Season: Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and stir everything together. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for an added touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can use spicy or mild chicken sausage depending on your taste preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a dairy-free cream alternative.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook the orzo uncovered for a few additional minutes to reduce liquid further.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
