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Creamy chicken sausage orzo served in a bowl, garnished with herbs.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

A delightful one-pan dish featuring creamy orzo pasta, chicken sausage, and vibrant greens, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced Ensure fully cooked before adding.
  • 1 cup orzo pasta Rinse under cold water if desired.
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
  • ½ cup chopped onion Chop before use.
  • 2 cloves minced garlic Mince before adding.
  • 1 cup spinach or kale Can substitute with Swiss chard or frozen greens.
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese Add at the end for creaminess.
Spices
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme Can replace with Italian seasoning.
  • ½ teaspoon paprika Toast briefly for more flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • red pepper flakes to taste Optional for heat.
Finishing Touches
  • 1 fresh parsley, chopped Add right before serving.
  • 1 lemon zest Add for freshness.
  • olive oil for sautéing

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  4. Stir in the orzo and chicken broth, bring to a boil; then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and spinach or kale, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the greens wilt.
  6. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper; stir well to combine.
  7. Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest, and serve hot.

Notes

For added flavor, consider a splash of lemon juice. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.