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
Scale
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.
