Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: the irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet! This dish is a game changer—it’s rich, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to whip up. Seriously, all you need is one skillet and about 30 minutes, and you’ve got a hearty meal that feels fancy but is totally doable for any home cook. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the smiles around the dinner table were priceless! The combination of creamy goodness, tender chicken sausage, and perfectly cooked orzo is just bliss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How to Prepare the Irresistible Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Now, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to put together this creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of deliciousness in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat that tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but don’t let it smoke!
- Next, toss in your sliced chicken sausage. Sauté it for about 5–7 minutes until it’s beautifully browned. The aroma will be heavenly!
- Once the sausage is golden, stir in the orzo pasta. Cook it for 1–2 minutes; this will give it a lovely toasted flavor that takes the dish to another level.
- Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. It should only take a few minutes, so keep an eye on it!
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You want the orzo to soak up that broth and become tender, so stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After 10 minutes, it’s time for the star of the show—add in your heavy cream and chopped spinach! Stir it all together until the spinach wilts and the mixture is creamy.
- Now, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well. This will add that irresistible cheesy goodness that makes this skillet dish so comforting.
- Finally, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your liking. Taste it and adjust as needed. Then, serve it hot, and get ready for a flavor explosion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—ready in just 30 minutes!
- One-skillet wonder means less cleanup for you.
- Rich, creamy flavors that satisfy the whole family.
- Packed with protein from the chicken sausage and nutrients from spinach.
- Customize it with your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
Alright, let me share some of my best tips to ensure your creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet turns out absolutely perfect! First off, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the sausage—this helps achieve that gorgeous browning and enhances flavor. Don’t skip stirring the orzo while it simmers; this prevents it from sticking and getting mushy! If you want extra creaminess, consider adding a splash more heavy cream towards the end. And remember, taste as you go! Adjust the seasonings to your liking, because everyone’s palate is different. You’ll nail it!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet! Try adding bell peppers or zucchini for a pop of color and crunch. You could also toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor. For an herbaceous twist, sprinkle in fresh basil or parsley right before serving. Want a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick! And if you’re a fan of mushrooms, sauté some along with the sausage for an earthy depth. The possibilities are endless, so make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve devoured your creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet, don’t throw those leftovers away! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing it up to keep everything fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that creamy texture. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through and the flavors are back in action. You’ll be amazed at how delicious it still is!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for my irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet. Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. One serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
This dish is not only satisfying but also gives you a good balance of protein and carbs, making it a great choice for a hearty meal. Enjoy every creamy bite knowing you’re fueling your body with deliciousness!
FAQ Section
Can I use turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great alternative that still provides delicious flavor. It’ll give you a leaner option without sacrificing taste, so feel free to make the swap!
Is this creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free orzo, this dish can easily be made gluten-free! Just check the packaging to ensure it meets your dietary needs, and you’re good to go!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply replace the chicken sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or even some sautéed mushrooms for a hearty texture. Also, swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it all vegetarian-friendly!
How do I reheat leftovers without losing creaminess?
To keep that creamy texture intact, reheat your leftovers gently on the stove over low heat. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream will help revive the dish’s lusciousness. Stir occasionally until warmed through!
Can I freeze the creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet?
While you can freeze it, I recommend leaving out the spinach and heavy cream if you plan to do so. Cook those fresh when you’re ready to eat! If frozen, it’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Irresistible Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Bliss
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A creamy and delicious chicken sausage orzo skillet that is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound chicken sausage
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until orzo is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and spinach.
- Add Parmesan cheese and mix well.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 25g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 15g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 75mg
Mots-clés: creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet
