This creamy chicken sausage orzo is one of those cozy meals that brings comfort to any busy weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor and ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a fantastic option for those chaotic evenings when time slips away.
This recipe tackles quick cooking time, maintaining creamy texture, avoiding sticky orzo, and adding flavor depth without complex techniques or ingredient substitutions confusion.
I’ve had my share of cooking trials, especially when trying to sneak healthy ingredients, like spinach, into meals my kids will actually eat. This recipe tackles that challenge head-on, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied, while also enjoying nutritious goodness.
What I love about this dish is how it combines tasty chicken sausage with orzo for a warm, creamy texture that feels indulgent without taking hours to prepare. Plus, it only takes 20 minutes of cooking for a meal that fits right into your busy schedule!
If you want a quick side to go with this orzo, I recommend my broccolini frittata which pairs perfectly!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to the inclusion of orzo, which contains wheat-based pasta.
- The recipe contains heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, so it is unsuitable for vegan diets.
- The recipe is not dairy-free because of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese found in the ingredients list.
- This recipe does not meet keto or low-carb diets due to orzo’s high carbohydrate content.
- The recipe is nut-free, containing no nuts or nut-derived ingredients in its listed components.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comforting Creaminess This dish’s use of coconut milk brings a luscious texture that wraps around the orzo beautifully, making each forkful a delight and a cozy choice for dinner.
- Quick and Easy Prep With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip this meal up on a busy weeknight, allowing you to enjoy a homemade culinary treat without the hassle.
- Flavor-packed Ingredients The spicy Italian chicken sausage adds a rich flavor that’s perfectly complemented by aromatic garlic and fresh thyme, infusing your kitchen with inviting smells and memorable tastes.
- Nutrient Boost with Spinach Tossing in baby spinach not only enhances the color but also packs in essential nutrients, making this creamy chicken sausage orzo a well-rounded meal option the whole family can love.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet cooking
- Diet: Halal
Description
A creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet recipe that’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 12 oz (340 g) spicy Italian chicken sausage, casing removed if preferred
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (170 g) dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) coconut milk
- 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tsp (2.3 g) onion powder
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) salt
- 1 tsp (1 g) fresh or dried thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add 12 ounces of spicy Italian chicken sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. The sausage should have a golden color, indicating it is done. Add 6 cloves minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup dry orzo to the skillet with the sausage and garlic. Stir constantly and toast the orzo for about 60 seconds until it begins to lightly brown, absorbing flavors from the sausage and garlic. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 cups low sodium chicken broth to deglaze the pan, stirring and scraping up any browned bits. Add 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme. Mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. The orzo is ready when tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a creamy texture.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 cups baby spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Mix in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, black pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, away from direct sunlight.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place in a freezer container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- If the orzo sticks to the pan during simmering, stir frequently to distribute moisture evenly.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add chicken broth one tablespoon at a time to reach the desired creaminess.
- For stronger flavor, add an extra pinch of salt or extra red pepper flakes about 5 minutes before serving.
- If the spinach does not wilt easily, stir in a little warm water when adding it to the skillet to help it soften faster.
- When using gluten-free orzo, check the package instructions as cooking time and liquid absorption may differ.
- Serve with sautéed green beans or a fresh arugula salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with roasted cherry tomatoes or a light cucumber salad to add brightness and freshness.
- Use leftovers in wraps with fresh vegetables, as a filling for stuffed bell peppers, or mixed into veggie-loaded omelettes.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance flavor.
- Use different protein options such as turkey sausage if preferred, keeping the quantity at 12 oz (340 g).
- Adjust spice level by modifying red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Swap fresh thyme for rosemary or oregano as alternative herbs using 1 teaspoon fresh or dried.
- Choose high-quality spicy Italian chicken sausage with seasonings for best flavor and moisture.
- Select good quality orzo, either regular or whole wheat, as this tiny pasta holds sauce and adds appealing texture.
- Fresh garlic cloves finely minced provide superior aroma and flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
- Opt for low sodium chicken broth to better control the dish’s saltiness.
- Use fresh baby spinach with vibrant green leaves for optimum nutrition and color.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides better texture and taste over pre-grated varieties.
- Coconut milk adds a creamy texture; do not substitute with heavy cream for this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken sausage: Look for high-quality chicken sausage with seasonings. It adds flavor and moisture to the dish. Fresh companies often offer special blends.
- Orzo: Choose a good quality orzo, either regular or whole wheat. This tiny pasta holds sauce beautifully and adds great texture to the dish.
- Onion: A sweet yellow onion works best here. It caramelizes nicely, providing depth. Dice it uniformly for even cooking.
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped for best flavor. Fresh garlic brings a nice punch; avoid pre-minced for better taste.
- Chicken broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels. Homemade or store-bought can enhance flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Heavy cream: Full-fat heavy cream gives richness and creaminess. Avoid substitutes here; you’ll want that luxurious texture!
- Spinach: Fresh spinach is key; it wilts perfectly and adds color. Look for vibrant green, crisp leaves to liven up the dish.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated or shredded Parm adds a salty, nutty flavor. Use a good quality brand, and fresh cheese works notably better than pre-grated.
Recipe Tips
- If the orzo sticks to the pan, stir frequently for 10 to 12 minutes while simmering to distribute moisture evenly.
- When the sauce thickens during cooking, add chicken broth one tablespoon at a time to maintain desired creaminess.
- If the dish lacks flavor, adjust seasoning with an extra pinch of salt or additional red pepper flakes about 5 minutes before serving.
- When the spinach doesn’t wilt, stir in a little bit of warm water when adding it to help it cook down more easily.
- If using gluten-free orzo, check cooking time and instructions on the package, as it may differ from regular orzo.
Serving Suggestions
Serve creamy chicken sausage orzo with a side of sautéed green beans or a fresh arugula salad. Pair it with roasted cherry tomatoes or a light cucumber salad for added brightness.
Add to a baked chicken dish or use in wraps with fresh vegetables. Use as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or mix into a veggie-loaded omelette.
Top with a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Finish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
Recipe variations
- You can use mild or sweet chicken sausage instead of spicy if you prefer less heat in your creamy chicken sausage orzo. Adjust seasoning accordingly for flavor balance.
- Add fresh basil or oregano leaves, about 1 tsp, alongside thyme to complement the dish’s herbs and bring a slightly different aromatic note without overpowering the orzo.
- Either canned coconut milk or heavy cream can be used as the creamy base. Using cream will add richness, while coconut milk keeps it dairy-free and lighter.
- If cooking for more than four, double the ingredients and increase broth to 4 cups to maintain proper liquid for the orzo. This keeps it tender and creamy. This recipe pairs well with Sausage Potato Soup for a hearty meal.
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How to Store?
To keep your creamy chicken sausage orzo fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping it covered and away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
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If you enjoyed this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
