Description
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
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/3 cup jarred roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1/3 cup crushed tomatoes (or jarred marinara sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Juice of 1/2 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.