Description
A one-pan wonder with creamy sauce, tender chicken sausage, and orzo pasta. This skillet dish is quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights, offering a comforting balance of creamy and savory flavors.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet:
- 1 lb chicken sausage (or your preferred sausage variety)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken sausage. If you’re using sausage links, remove the casing before cooking, then slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces. Brown the sausage for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once browned and cooked through, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. This step enhances the flavor base of the dish.
Next, add the uncooked orzo to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir the orzo for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it, which will bring out a nutty flavor and help it absorb the creamy sauce later.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook the orzo for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid will absorb into the orzo, and the pasta will cook to al dente. Keep an eye on it, and if the broth reduces too quickly, add a little more chicken broth or water.
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a creamy, rich texture that coats the orzo beautifully.
Add the cooked chicken sausage back into the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired.
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and added freshness.
Serve the creamy chicken sausage orzo hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the rich, creamy comfort of this easy-to-make skillet dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 500-550 kcal
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 25-30g