Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: the *irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet*! This dish is not only a dream to whip up, but it’s also bursting with flavor. Picture this: golden-brown chicken sausage sizzling away in a pan, mingling with tender orzo and a luscious, creamy sauce that wraps around every bite. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love how quickly it comes together—seriously, you can have this on the table in just 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup (yes, please!). And the best part? You can easily customize it with whatever greens or veggies you have on hand. Trust me, this dish will become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple, yet flavorful ingredients to create your irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet. Trust me, every one of them plays a crucial role in making this dish the star of your dinner table!
- 1 lb chicken sausage – I love using Italian-style chicken sausage for that extra kick of flavor! You can use sweet or spicy, depending on your taste.
- 1 cup orzo pasta – This little pasta shape cooks up beautifully and absorbs all the creamy goodness. Make sure to measure it out before you start!
- 2 cups chicken broth – Use low-sodium broth for better control over the saltiness. It adds a rich base to the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream – This is where the creaminess comes from! It makes the sauce luscious and dreamy. Don’t skimp on it!
- 1 cup spinach – Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. You can swap it for kale or any leafy green you prefer.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – The cheese adds that extra layer of flavor. Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated works too if you’re in a pinch!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is essential for that aromatic base. Don’t be shy with it—more garlic equals more flavor!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – This is for sautéing the sausage and garlic. It adds a lovely richness to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Always season to your liking! A little taste test goes a long way here.
How to Prepare the Irresistible Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet! I promise, it’s as easy as it is delicious. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready to impress in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough that it shimmers but not so hot that it smokes!
- Next, add 1 lb of chicken sausage to the pan. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned. This browning adds flavor, so don’t rush it!
- Once the sausage is golden, stir in 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Oh, the aroma will be heavenly!
- Now, it’s time to add 1 cup of orzo pasta and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil—this is where the magic starts to happen!
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, followed by 1 cup of spinach and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy and luscious. This will take just a few minutes!
- Finally, season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a little taste test—you want it just right!
And there you have it! Serve it up warm, and get ready for some happy faces around the dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with family and friends!
- Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying fast.
- Loaded with flavor from the creamy sauce, savory chicken sausage, and fresh spinach.
- Customizable! Feel free to throw in any veggies you have on hand or switch up the sausage for variety.
- Rich, creamy, and oh-so-comforting; it’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Tips for Success
To take your irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet to the next level, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t rush the browning of the sausage—this step adds so much depth of flavor. If you want a bit more zing, consider adding a splash of white wine after browning the sausage; let it cook down slightly before adding the garlic. For a pop of freshness, squeeze a little lemon juice right before serving. And remember, if you’re making this ahead of time, just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it creamy. Enjoy!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet! For a burst of color and flavor, try adding some diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes—just toss them in when you add the garlic. If you love a bit of spice, consider using chorizo sausage instead of chicken; it’ll give your dish a delightful kick. You can also switch out the spinach for kale or even broccoli for a hearty twist. And for a touch of brightness, sprinkle in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional goodness packed into your irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet! This dish is not only delicious but also a satisfying option for your meal plan. Here’s an estimate for each serving:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, especially if you opt for low-fat cream or whole grain orzo. Regardless, this dish is a hearty meal that’s sure to keep you satisfied!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep your irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet fresh for later! If you have leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case!), let the skillet cool down a bit, then transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that creamy texture, stirring gently until it’s warmed through. Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely! While I love chicken sausage for a leaner option, feel free to use Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo for a bit of spice. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet can be made ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to keep it creamy.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you choose gluten-free orzo, this dish can easily be made gluten-free. Just check the packaging to ensure it’s certified gluten-free!
What can I serve with the orzo skillet?
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat on the stove and add a little broth to revive the creaminess!
Irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet bliss in 30 mins
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A delicious and satisfying one-pan meal featuring creamy chicken sausage and orzo.
Ingrédients
- 1 lb chicken sausage
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add orzo and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook until spinach is wilted and sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 30g
- Graisses Saturées: 15g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 90mg
Mots-clés: irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet
