Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Orzo Skillet
01 -
60 g shredded cheddar cheese or feta
02 -
0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
03 -
0.5 teaspoon salt
04 -
0.5 teaspoon paprika
05 -
1 teaspoon dried thyme
06 -
120 ml heavy cream or Greek yogurt
07 -
480 ml low-sodium chicken broth
08 -
180 g orzo pasta
09 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
10 -
80 g onion, finely chopped
11 -
340 g chicken sausage, sliced
12 -
15 ml olive oil
→ Optional Add-Ins
13 -
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
14 -
70 g sun-dried tomatoes
15 -
30 g spinach or kale
→ Garnishes
16 -
Lemon zest
17 -
Additional grated cheese
18 -
Fresh parsley, chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
Take the pan off the heat. Toss on some fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a little lemon zest for a bright pop. Dig in while it’s still warm.
02 -
Turn the stove down low. Mix in the heavy cream and cheese till everything gets nice and smooth. Slide the chicken sausage back in and stir it all together. Thinking about some spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes? Throw those in right here.
03 -
Splash in the chicken broth, scraping up anything stuck to the pan. Sprinkle in your thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it gently cook and bubble for about 8 to 10 minutes, giving it a stir every so often, until the orzo soaks up most of the liquid and feels just right.
04 -
Toss the chopped onion in the same pan and cook for 2 or 3 minutes so it softens up. Add your minced garlic and stir for just half a minute till it smells great. Now pour in the orzo and keep it moving around the pan for a minute so it toasts a bit.
05 -
Pour olive oil into a big nonstick pan set over medium heat. Drop in those chicken sausage slices and cook them till they’re getting golden—about 3 to 5 minutes. Move them to a plate and keep them handy.
# Notes:
01 -
Use plenty of cream or cheese if you want it extra rich and silky.
02 -
Take care not to cook the orzo too long. You want it just tender with a little bite left.
03 -
Toasting the orzo in the pan first will really bring out a nutty, deep flavor.