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Creamy chicken sausage orzo pasta in a bowl.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan Meal

This flavorful one-pan dish combines savory chicken sausage, tender orzo, and fresh greens in a creamy sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced (cheddar, feta, or your favorite variety)
  • ½ cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta, depending on your sausage flavor)
  • 1 cup spinach or kale (for extra greens)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (for a Mediterranean twist)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra grated cheese
  • Lemon zest (for brightness)

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook sausage until browned, then set aside.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic, add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
  3. Add broth and seasonings, simmer 8-10 minutes until orzo absorbs liquid.
  4. Stir in cream, cheese, sausage, greens, and sun-dried tomatoes; cook until heated through.
  5. Garnish with parsley, extra cheese, and lemon zest; serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt and reduce cheese.