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Close-up of Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo with wilted spinach and red pepper flakes.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

This creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet is a quick and flavorful dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. It's a comforting dish that can be adapted for various dietary needs.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 358
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Skillet
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage sliced
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup orzo dry
  • 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 thyme fresh or dried
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 cups baby spinach leaves

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken sausage until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
  2. Add the dry orzo and toast in the pan with the chicken sausage and garlic for about 60 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Add the coconut milk, soy sauce, seasonings, and fresh thyme. Mix well.
  3. Bring the orzo mixture to a boil. Turn the heat down, cover, and let the orzo simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Orzo is ready once it is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  4. Stir in the spinach leaves and cook until they are wilted. Mix in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 358kcalCarbohydrates: 28.9gProtein: 27gFat: 16.2gSaturated Fat: 5.6gSodium: 1147mgFiber: 1.7gSugar: 1.7g

Notes

This dish is a great base for customization. You can swap the chicken sausage for other proteins or add your favorite vegetables. For a gluten-free option, ensure your chicken broth and soy sauce are certified gluten-free.

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