Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
400kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced (cheddar, feta, or your favorite variety)
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta)
- 1 cup spinach or kale (for extra greens)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (for a Mediterranean twist)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- to taste extra grated cheese for serving
- to taste lemon zest (for brightness)
Method
Sauté the Chicken Sausage
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics & Orzo
- In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Simmer the Orzo
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any 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 the orzo absorbs most of the liquid.
Make it Creamy
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar (or feta for a Mediterranean twist). Mix until smooth. Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine. If adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, mix them in at this step.
Finish & Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm!
Nutrition
Serving1gCalories400kcalCarbohydrates45gProtein27gFat12gSaturated Fat6gSodium700mgFiber2gSugar3g
Notes
Feel free to swap chicken sausage for turkey or a plant-based sausage. For lighter options, Greek yogurt can replace heavy cream. Optional variations include adding bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients, and a splash of white wine for flavor depth. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if it becomes too thick.