Description
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining spicy Italian chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a luscious coconut milk-based sauce. Enhanced with garlic, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese, it delivers a comforting creamy texture with a hint of heat and aromatic herbs, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Proteins and Dairy
- 12 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry Staples
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced spicy Italian chicken sausage and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn.
- Toast the orzo: Add the dry orzo to the skillet and toast it with the sausage and garlic for about 60 seconds, stirring to coat evenly and enhance its nutty flavor.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Stir in the coconut milk, low sodium soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Simmer the orzo: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the orzo simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add spinach and cheese: Stir in the baby spinach leaves and cook until wilted. Then, mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until combined and creamy.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken sausage with pork or turkey sausage if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, stick to canned coconut milk and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- Keep an eye on the orzo as it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the skillet bottom; stir occasionally.
- If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- This recipe is great for meal prepping as it reheats well for next-day lunches or dinners.
