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Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Dish: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Any Occasion

  • Author: Melissa
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Indulge in a creamy and flavorful Chicken Sausage Orzo dish that combines tender orzo pasta with savory chicken sausage, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes. This quick and satisfying meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, showcasing rich flavors and delightful textures that are sure to impress. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the delicious results that make this recipe a favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Start by gathering all your ingredients.
  2. Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  4. Rinse the spinach and chop it into smaller pieces.
  5. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
  6. In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  7. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  8. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  9. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  10. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  11. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir it into the onions and garlic, allowing it to toast slightly for about 1-2 minutes.
  12. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.
  13. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet.
  14. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth, stirring occasionally.
  15. Once the orzo is cooked, add the heavy cream and stir well to combine.
  16. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  17. Fold in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes.
  18. Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
  19. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
  20. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
  21. Spoon the creamy chicken sausage orzo into bowls and garnish with fresh basil.
  22. If desired, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Notes

  • If you want to add more vegetables, consider incorporating bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just sauté them along with the onions.
  • For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
  • If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta of your choice.
  • This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

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Find it online: https://melissarecipes.com/creamy-chicken-sausage-orzo-dish/