Name: Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced and precooked; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 cup dry orzo pasta; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups baby spinach; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Get ready to fall head over heels for Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo! This cozy skillet dish combines juicy chicken sausage, tender orzo, and a blanket of dreamy Parmesan cream sauce, all tied together with tender spinach for a pop of color and freshness. It’s hearty, easy, and makes for the ultimate weeknight meal—yet it’s impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe turns a handful of humble ingredients into something absolutely craveable. Trust me, you’ll want to put Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo on your regular dinner rotation!

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is just how effortless and accessible the ingredients are: each one brings something key to the table, from creaminess to bold flavor or vibrant color. Here’s what you’ll need, with helpful tidbits to make your meal shine:

Olive oil: A glug of good olive oil starts the dish off with extra richness and helps brown the sausage beautifully.
Chicken sausage (precooked, sliced): Choose a flavorful variety—garlic, Italian, or even spicy—for dimension and ease since it’s already cooked!
Garlic (minced): Three cloves add an aromatic base you don’t want to skip; fresh is always best.
Yellow onion (diced): Offers gentle sweetness and melts into the sauce for that homemade touch.
Dry orzo pasta: This petite pasta soaks up all those savory flavors and gives every bite a delightfully creamy texture.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Infuses the orzo with muscle-building savoriness and lets you control the salt level.
Heavy cream: For that unmistakable silky, velvety finish—don’t skimp!
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty complexity and melts like a dream into the sauce.
Baby spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and freshness—simply stir in at the end for vibrant greens.
Italian seasoning: A quick flavor bomb with herbs that complement the sausage and sauce.
Salt and pepper: To taste; always finish by tasting and seasoning so your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo sings!
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Just a sprinkle brings brightness and makes the dish pop.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken Sausage

Drizzle the olive oil into a large skillet and set over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your sliced chicken sausage in a single layer. Let it sizzle for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s lightly golden and a little crisp at the edges—this is how you build that irresistible depth of flavor.

Step 2: Add the aromatics

Toss in your minced garlic and diced yellow onion. The kitchen will fill with a mouthwatering aroma in about two minutes! Sauté everything together until the onions are soft and fragrant, setting the perfect stage for a luscious, flavor-packed orzo.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Stir in your dry orzo and cook for a minute or two, letting each grain get a tiny bit toasty. This quick step makes a significant difference—giving the pasta a slightly nutty note and helping it stay delightfully al dente.

Step 4: Simmer in Broth

Pour in your low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil, then turn the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. You want the orzo to turn plump and tender, soaking up tons of flavor, with most of the liquid absorbed by the end.

Step 5: Finish with Cream, Cheese & Spinach

Now comes the magic moment: stir in your heavy cream, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and baby spinach. Watch the cheese melt and the cream create a glossy, luxurious sauce while the spinach wilts just enough to stay vibrant and tender. Stir until everything is perfectly creamy and well combined.

Step 6: Season and Garnish

Give your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo a good taste, then add salt and black pepper as needed. Dish it up right away, sprinkling over a shower of chopped fresh parsley to finish. Enjoy the cozy, comforting bowl you’ve just created!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Garnishes

For that extra pop, I always add a handful of chopped fresh parsley just before serving. You can also try a flutter of red pepper flakes for gentle heat or more grated Parmesan for a rich finish. These little touches make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo look restaurant-worthy and taste even more spectacular!

Side Dishes

This dish is incredibly satisfying all on its own, but pairs beautifully with simple sides: think a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette or roasted seasonal veggies. Warm, crusty bread is fantastic for scooping up every last creamy bite of Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo in shallow bowls for a bistro-style experience. For something fun, dish it up in individual ramekins as a starter or side at a dinner party. If you want to impress, garnish each bowl with extra Parmesan and a lemon wedge for a burst of color and zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Let the dish cool, then transfer to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, those flavors will have melded together even more, making it taste just as comforting on day two or three.

Freezing

If you need to freeze Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo, let it cool completely first. Store in airtight, freezer-safe containers or zip bags for up to two months. Note that the sauce may separate a bit when thawed, but a quick stir while reheating helps bring it back together.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of extra broth or cream to loosen things up. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. This way, you’ll get that creamy texture back without overcooking the orzo or sausage.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Feel free to use turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even a plant-based variety to suit your preferences. Each will add its own spin, making the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo uniquely yours.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Swap regular orzo for a gluten free alternative—just keep an eye on cook times, as some gluten-free pastas absorb liquid differently. Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is every bit as delicious gluten free!

What vegetables can I add besides spinach?

Kale and Swiss chard both work beautifully, though you may want to cook them a bit longer to soften. You could also stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for extra color and nutrients.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo can be made a few hours in advance and gently rewarmed before serving. Add a splash of broth or cream and stir gently to refresh the sauce, then garnish right before bringing it to the table.

How spicy is this recipe?

The base recipe is quite mild, but you can easily kick up the heat by using hot Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes to taste. Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is super flexible, so tailor the spice level to your liking.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo! It’s one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dinners you’ll want to turn to again and again. Share it with loved ones, experiment with your favorite add-ins, and make it your own. Enjoy every creamy, cozy bite!

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Chicken Sausage Orzo, a delightful one-pot meal that combines savory chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and vibrant spinach in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken sausage, sliced and precooked
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 cup dry orzo pasta
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken sausage and cook until browned.
Sauté Aromatics: Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant and softened.
Add Orzo: Stir in orzo and toast slightly.
Cook Orzo: Pour in chicken broth, simmer for 10 minutes until tender.
Finish: Stir in cream, Parmesan, spinach, and seasonings. Cook until creamy.
Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.