Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight meal: the irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet. It’s one of those dishes that’s both comforting and exciting, all in one delicious bowl! I love how everything cooks together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze—seriously, who doesn’t love that? The creamy sauce hugs every bit of tender orzo and savory chicken sausage, while the spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. Trust me, this dish has become a staple in my kitchen, and it’s so quick to whip up that I often make it when friends drop by unexpectedly. You’ll want to keep this recipe close; it’s a total crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this mouthwatering irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet. Gather these ingredients before you start, and let’s get cooking!
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced (I love using Italian chicken sausage for that extra flavor!)
- 1 cup orzo pasta (this tiny pasta shape is perfect for soaking up the creamy goodness)
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought, it all works great)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious creaminess—feel free to adjust for your taste)
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh or even frozen works; it adds a lovely color and nutrition)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated is always the best, but use what you have)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (you can never have too much garlic, right?)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to get things sizzling in the pan)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to season; it makes all the difference!)
How to Prepare the Irresistible Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Now, let’s dive into making this delightful dish! Trust me, it’s super simple, and before you know it, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to creamy goodness!
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, grab your large skillet and heat that olive oil over medium heat. This step is crucial because it creates the perfect base for browning the chicken sausage, which adds so much flavor to the dish. You want that oil nice and hot, so it sizzles when you add the sausage!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Sausage
Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the sliced chicken sausage. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s beautifully browned. This step is key because browning the sausage not only enhances its flavor but also adds a lovely depth to the overall dish. It’s where all the magic begins!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Orzo
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until it’s fragrant—oh, the smell is divine! Then, add the orzo pasta and give it a good stir to combine everything. Let it mingle with the sausage for another minute so that the pasta can soak up all those amazing flavors.
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken Broth
Now, it’s time to pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed some of that broth. This is where the dish starts to come together!
Step 5: Stir in Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan
Finally, stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, and grated parmesan cheese. Cook it for another 5 minutes until everything is creamy and heated through. The creaminess of the sauce combined with the spinach and cheese will make your taste buds dance! Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste; it’s the finishing touch to this irresistible dish!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for each serving of this irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But here’s what you can expect:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
This dish is a hearty option that delivers on flavor without skimping on the satisfaction factor. Perfect for a cozy dinner that won’t leave you feeling guilty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to relax!
- Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The creamy texture and savory chicken sausage create an unforgettable flavor combination.
- Loaded with nutritious spinach, making it a delicious way to get your greens in.
- Super versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or chicken sausage varieties!
- Comfort food that feels indulgent but is surprisingly healthy.
- Perfect for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet turns out perfectly every time! Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks to avoid common hiccups and ensure you’re serving up a delicious meal:
- Don’t rush the browning: Take your time when cooking the chicken sausage. Browning it properly enhances the flavor, so let it get that lovely golden color before moving on!
- Stir, stir, stir! When you add the orzo and broth, make sure to stir occasionally. This helps the pasta cook evenly and prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Adjust the cream: If you want a lighter dish, feel free to substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. It’ll still be creamy and delicious but with a bit less richness.
- Veggie swap: Don’t hesitate to toss in your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, peas, or even sun-dried tomatoes would work wonderfully in this dish—just sauté them with the sausage for a delicious twist.
- Season to taste: Always taste your dish before serving! If it needs a little more salt or pepper, don’t be shy to add it. Seasoning makes all the difference!
- Leftovers love: When storing leftovers, make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents any sogginess!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this creamy delight and impressing everyone at your table!
Variations
One of the things I love most about the irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet is how adaptable it is! With just a few tweaks, you can create a whole new dish that fits your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños when cooking the sausage for a little heat. It adds a nice zing that will wake up your taste buds!
- Mediterranean Twist: Swap out the spinach for chopped sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives. You could even add some feta cheese for a salty, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Protein-Packed: For a heartier meal, toss in some cooked chickpeas or white beans along with the spinach. This not only boosts the protein content but also adds great texture!
- Veggie Medley: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re tender but not overcooked.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley. Adding them at the end of cooking will brighten up the flavors and give a fresh, aromatic finish!
- Cheesy Goodness: For an extra cheesy version, mix in some shredded mozzarella or gouda along with the parmesan. It’ll make the dish even more indulgent and creamy!
These variations are not just tasty; they also keep things exciting and allow you to make this dish your own. So don’t hesitate to get creative—your kitchen, your rules!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! The irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet keeps really well, and trust me, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Here’s how to store and reheat it like a pro:
- Cooling Down: Before you stash any leftovers in the fridge, let the skillet cool completely. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your dish soggy.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled orzo skillet into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. Just make sure it’s sealed tight to lock in all that creamy goodness!
- Freezing for Later: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the leftovers! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Now, for reheating:
- Stovetop Method: This is my favorite! Just scoop out the portion you want and place it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up and stir occasionally until heated through. It’ll bring back that lovely creaminess!
- Microwave Method: In a hurry? Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Just give it a good stir in between to heat evenly.
With these tips, you can enjoy your delicious creation days later, and trust me, it’s just as comforting the second time around! Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite chicken sausage variety—spicy, sweet, or even turkey sausage works great. Just adjust the cooking time if needed!
What if I don’t have orzo?
No problem! You can substitute with any small pasta shape like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even rice. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might vary a little!
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. It’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep it a few hours in advance. Just cook everything up to the point of adding the cream, then refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently and stir in the cream, spinach, and cheese.
What should I serve with the orzo skillet?
This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce. It’s all about balance!
Irresistible Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful one-pan dish featuring chicken sausage and orzo.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add orzo and stir to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and parmesan cheese.
- Cook for another 5 minutes until creamy and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- This dish can be made with any type of chicken sausage.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet
