Description
A comforting one-pan meal combining creamy orzo and savory chicken sausage with fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
- 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)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta)
- 1 cup spinach or kale
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra grated cheese and lemon zest (for finishing touches)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage, cooking for 3-5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the same pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Mix in the orzo, toasting it for 1 minute while stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Mix in thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes.
- Lower the heat, then stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar. Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet, incorporating it along with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and lemon zest. Serve warm.
Notes
Consider swapping vegetables or using different types of cheese according to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chicken sausage, orzo, creamy pasta, Mediterranean recipe, comfort food