Description
Creamy one-pan chicken sausage orzo cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Parmesan in a rich and comforting sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach or kale
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)
- 1 lemon zest
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken sausage until browned, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in orzo and toast lightly for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cook until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in heavy cream, sausage, spinach, thyme, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until spinach wilts and everything is creamy.
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Finish with lemon zest and fresh parsley.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Add more broth if orzo gets too thick.
- Use kale instead of spinach for a heartier version.
- Fresh Parmesan gives the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, One-Pan Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian