Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that comes together quickly and easily. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The creamy texture combined with the spicy chicken sausage and fresh spinach makes for a tasty dish that everyone will love. Plus, it only takes one skillet to prepare, which means less cleanup for you!

How To Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo, dry
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk or heavy cream
• 1 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves

Directions

1. Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken sausage until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes.
2. Add in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add in the dry orzo and toast in the pan along with the chicken sausage and garlic for about 60 seconds.
4. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Then, add in the coconut milk, soy sauce, seasonings, and fresh thyme, mixing well.
5. Bring the orzo mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down, cover, and let the orzo simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally so that the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
6. Orzo is ready once it is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Stir in the spinach leaves and cook until they are wilted, then mix in the freshly grated parmesan cheese.
8. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed, and enjoy this creamy orzo skillet.

How To Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet hot, straight from the skillet. You can top it with extra parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

How To Store Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Store any leftover orzo skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

• Stir the orzo frequently while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• If you prefer a lighter dish, you can use less coconut milk or cream, or substitute it with low-fat alternatives.

Variation

You can easily customize this dish by switching the protein or adding different spices. For a milder flavor, you can use sweet Italian chicken sausage. Adding a dash of lemon juice before serving gives it a refreshing twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving.

Q: Is orzo gluten-free?
A: No, traditional orzo is made from wheat. However, you can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or other grains.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

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