Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet – Quick & Comforting
Looking for a quick, creamy, and satisfying dinner? This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a one-pan wonder that’s packed with protein, comforting flavors, and a rich, velvety sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced (cheddar, feta, or your favorite variety)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta, depending on your sausage flavor)
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated cheese
- Lemon zest
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3–5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up bits from the bottom of the pan. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo absorbs most of the liquid.
4. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar (or feta). Mix until smooth. Add cooked sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine. If using spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, add them now.
5. Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley, extra cheese, and lemon zest. Serve warm.
Notes
Use full-fat cream or cheese for the creamiest texture.
Don’t overcook the orzo – it should be tender but not mushy.
Toasting the orzo before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor.
Customize with different sausage flavors or mix-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or greens.
Find it online: https://cookingwithramsay.com/creamy-chicken-sausage-orzo/