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Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

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This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a delightful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines flavorful chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and fresh spinach in a creamy tomato sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying dish the whole family will love.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 fully cooked Italian chicken sausage links, sliced
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • ⅓ cup jarred roasted red peppers, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed
  • 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
  • ⅓ cup crushed tomatoes (or jarred marinara sauce)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  • Sauté the Sausage:
    • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
    • Add the sliced chicken sausage in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes.
    • Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes until browned.
    • Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
  • Cook Aromatics and Orzo:
    • In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and uncooked orzo.
    • Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  • Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
    • Stir in the chopped roasted red peppers, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
    • Mix well to combine.
  • Add Broth and Simmer:
    • Pour in the 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
    • Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is al dente.
    • If the orzo absorbs the liquid too quickly, add an extra splash of broth as needed.
  • Incorporate Cream and Spinach:
    • Stir in the heavy cream, crushed tomatoes, and chopped spinach.
    • Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts.
  • Finish and Serve:
    • Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
    • Add the juice of half a lemon and mix well.
    • Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
  • This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.

Find it online: https://recipe.ukfinda.com/creamy-chicken-sausage-orzo-skillet/