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Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

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A comforting one-pan meal that combines chicken sausage, orzo pasta, and creamy flavors, inspired by cherished cooking memories.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
  • ½ cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup spinach or kale
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra grated cheese
  • Lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Allow it to warm up until shimmering.
  2. Cook the Chicken Sausage: Toss in sliced chicken sausage and sauté until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  4. Add the Orzo: Stir in orzo pasta, mixing with the sausage and aromatics, and toast for a minute or two.
  5. Pour in Chicken Broth: Carefully pour in the chicken broth, stirring to submerge the orzo. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Season It Up: After about 10 minutes, when the orzo is al dente, add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper; taste and adjust.
  7. Time for Creaminess: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream; let it simmer for about 4-5 minutes until thickened.
  8. Add in Greens and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Fold in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, letting them wilt.
  9. Cheese, Please!: Mix in shredded cheese, stirring until melted and blended.
  10. Add Heat and Garnish: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, add parsley and lemon zest before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or sausages. This dish can also be made lighter by substituting Greek yogurt for heavy cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy orzo, chicken sausage, one-pan meal, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://crunchytable.com/one-pan-creamy-chicken-sausage-orzo-dinner/