Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the rich flavors of spicy Italian chicken sausage with creamy coconut milk and orzo pasta. It’s a one-pan meal that is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, the addition of fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese gives it a colorful touch and a nutritious boost. This recipe is sure to please everyone at the table!
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 :
Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced chicken sausage and cook until it’s browned and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes). Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir in the dry orzo and toast it in the pan for about a minute. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Then add in the coconut milk, soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Mix well. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, cover, and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the spinach leaves and cook until wilted, then mix in the parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve warm.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Serve this creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet warm straight from the pan. You can garnish it with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
To store leftover creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen it up.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
- If you want a little more spice, add more red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to use different types of sausage, like mild chicken or turkey sausage, for a different flavor.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to increase the nutrition and flavor.
Variations
You can modify this recipe by changing the type of cream used. If you prefer, substitute the coconut milk with heavy cream or even a dairy-free alternative. Adding other greens such as kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach can also give you different flavors and textures.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular sausage instead of chicken sausage?
Yes, regular sausage works well too. Just remember that it might add more fat to the dish.
2. Is orzo gluten-free?
Orzo is typically made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free orzo made from rice or another gluten-free grain.
3. Can I freeze leftover Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just ensure it’s in an airtight container. It should last up to 2 months in the freezer. Reheat after thawing.
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy Optional
Description
A quick one-pan meal featuring spicy Italian chicken sausage, creamy coconut milk, and orzo pasta, topped with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese.
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
Instructions
- Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Toss in the sliced chicken sausage and cook until it’s browned and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes).
- Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the dry orzo and toast it in the pan for about a minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan.
- Add in the coconut milk, soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil, lower the heat, cover, and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the spinach leaves and cook until wilted, then mix in the parmesan cheese.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs. Pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chicken sausage, orzo, skillet meal, creamy pasta, one-pan dinner