Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: 5 Easy Steps to Perfect Pasta
A bold and comforting one-pan meal made with tender orzo, savory chicken sausage, and a spicy, creamy sauce perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with big flavor.
- Author: ssam
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pan
- Cuisine: American
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 2. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned; remove and set aside.
- 3. In the same skillet, sauté onion until softened.
- 4. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika; cook until fragrant.
- 5. Stir in uncooked orzo and toast for 1 minute.
- 6. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- 7. Cook, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- 8. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- 9. Return sausage to the skillet and stir until heated through.
- 10. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 11. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Spinach or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: spicy creamy orzo, chicken sausage orzo, one pan orzo, creamy chicken sausage