Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, savory aroma of Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo filling the kitchen after a long day. With its silky sauce, tender orzo, and juicy chicken sausage, this dish is the definition of comfort food – without requiring hours at the stove.

I first whipped this up on a whim when I had a few leftover ingredients hanging around in the fridge. One bite, and it immediately earned a spot in our weekly dinner rotation. It's quick, it's easy, and it's so good you'll be licking the spoon.

From the very first stir to the final creamy bite, this recipe is a keeper. Let me show you why it deserves a place in your meal plan.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

If you're looking for a meal that's as easy as it is delicious, you're in the right place. This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo ticks every box for a reliable weeknight dinner.

Fast and fuss-free. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Minimal prep and one pan means less cleanup and more time to relax after dinner.

Family-friendly. Even picky eaters fall in love with this creamy, cheesy comfort dish. The mild flavor of chicken sausage and the tender pasta appeal to kids and adults alike.

Budget-conscious. With affordable pantry staples like orzo and chicken sausage, you can feed a family without breaking the bank. No fancy ingredients required.

Versatile and customizable. Add spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrition. You can also swap the protein or use dairy alternatives to suit your needs.

Once you try it, you'll understand why this has become a go-to in our household. Now let’s dive into what you’ll need to bring it to life.

Ingredients Notes

The ingredients for this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo are simple, but each one plays a vital role in building flavor and texture. Here's a closer look at what makes this dish shine.

Orzo is the heart of this recipe. Though it looks like rice, orzo is actually a short-cut pasta that cooks up tender and creamy. It soaks up the sauce beautifully, making every bite rich and satisfying.

Chicken sausage adds a punch of flavor without the heaviness of traditional sausage. I prefer using a garlic and herb variety, but feel free to use whatever flavor you like best. It's already cooked, which helps speed up the process.

Onion and garlic form the aromatic base of the dish. Sautéing them first infuses the entire pan with deep, savory flavor that sets the tone for the sauce.

Chicken broth and heavy cream create the creamy, silky sauce. The broth provides a savory foundation, while the cream adds richness. You can sub in half-and-half or a splash of milk if you want to lighten things up.

Parmesan cheese brings everything together with a nutty, salty finish. Stir it in at the end for that final touch of indulgence.

You won't need any fancy equipment – just a large skillet or sauté pan and a wooden spoon. A microplane for grating fresh parmesan is a nice bonus but not required.

How To Make This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Creating this dish is surprisingly simple, and everything cooks in a single pan. That means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy the meal.

Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds – just until fragrant.

Next, add the sliced chicken sausage. Since it's already cooked, you're just browning it a bit to bring out the flavor. Stir it around for 2-3 minutes until it's lightly golden.

Pour in the orzo, then stir to coat it in all that garlicky goodness. This quick toasting step enhances the flavor of the pasta and sets the stage for the creamy sauce.

Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Once the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Let it cook for another couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is velvety smooth.

In total, the dish takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. The end result? A creamy, flavorful, one-pan wonder that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Storage Options

This dish stores surprisingly well, making it great for meal prep or leftovers. Let any extras cool completely before storing.

Place the orzo in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day.

If you need to freeze it, let the dish cool and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Just note that the texture may change slightly when reheated.

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up, then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is endlessly adaptable. Don’t be afraid to get creative with what you have on hand.

Try adding veggies like baby spinach, frozen peas, or sun-dried tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking. They blend in beautifully and boost the nutrition.

Swap out the chicken sausage for turkey sausage, shrimp, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. It's a great way to use up leftovers or try something new.

For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk in place of cream and a plant-based parmesan alternative. It won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be satisfying.

Want to spice things up? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of pesto to give the sauce an extra flavor punch.

The best part about this recipe is how flexible it is. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own – you might just discover your next favorite twist!

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