Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! This irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet is everything you could want in a cozy meal. Picture this: tender chicken sausage mingling with creamy orzo, vibrant spinach, and juicy tomatoes, all cooked in one skillet! It’s like a warm hug on a plate. And the best part? It’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy weekend. Trust me, you’ll have this beauty on your table in just about 30 minutes, and the flavors? They’ll blow your taste buds away! So grab your skillet, and let’s dive into the deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced or crumbled
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Irresistible Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Alright, let’s kick things off by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll want it hot enough that when you add the chopped onion, it starts to sizzle! Sauté that onion for about 3-4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent, and then throw in the minced garlic. Cook that for another minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant—oh, the aroma will have you drooling!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Sausage
Now, let’s add in 1 pound of sliced or crumbled chicken sausage. Make sure to break it up into smaller pieces if you’re using a whole sausage. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned. This browning step is crucial because it adds so much flavor—don’t rush it! You want those little bits to develop a lovely golden crust.
Step 3: Incorporate the Tomatoes
Once your sausage is beautifully browned, toss in 1 cup of diced tomatoes. Whether you’re using canned or fresh, just make sure they’re juicy! Cook everything together for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently so those tomatoes can release their juices and mingle with all that flavor from the sausage. Trust me, this step is key for the dish’s overall deliciousness!
Step 4: Add Orzo and Broth
Time to bring in the star of the show—our orzo! Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Give it all a good stir, and then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep an eye on things; you want to see some bubbles forming, but don’t let it boil over! Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low.
Step 5: Simmer and Stir
Now, let’s simmer! Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the orzo will absorb all those flavors and become perfectly tender. Just keep an eye on it—stirring helps prevent any sticking and ensures everything cooks evenly!
Step 6: Mix in Cream and Spinach
Once your orzo is nice and tender, it’s time to add the magic touch—1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of fresh spinach! Pour that cream in slowly and mix it well. The cream will create that dreamy, velvety sauce we all love! As for the spinach, just give it a gentle stir until it wilts—this should only take a minute or so.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Finally, season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last stir to combine everything beautifully. Then, serve it hot, and don’t be shy about adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top if you like! This creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet is best enjoyed right away, and I promise you’ll want to dive in as soon as it hits the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze—who doesn’t love that?
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
- Rich and Creamy: The heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the orzo and sausage.
- Flavor Explosion: With juicy chicken sausage, fresh spinach, and vibrant tomatoes, each bite is packed with flavor!
- Customizable: Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies or spices; this dish is as versatile as you want it to be!
- Kid-Friendly: It’s a hit with the whole family—kids love the creamy texture and fun pasta shape!
- Comfort Food: It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy dinners or when you need a little comfort.
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Sausage: Choose a good-quality chicken sausage for maximum flavor. Look for varieties with herbs or spices that excite your taste buds!
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Take your time browning the sausage. This step builds a rich depth of flavor that makes a huge difference in the final dish.
- Monitor the Liquid: Keep an eye on the skillet while the orzo is cooking. If it looks too dry, add a splash more chicken broth to keep everything nice and creamy.
- Experiment with Greens: If you’re not a fan of spinach, feel free to swap it out for kale, arugula, or even broccoli. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
- Mix It Up: Add in some red pepper flakes for a little heat or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness. It’s all about personalizing it to your taste!
- Leftover Magic: This dish reheats beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make a double batch. Just store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and enjoy them for lunch or dinner later!
- Garnish with Love: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated Parmesan on top right before serving can elevate the dish and make it look extra inviting!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the numbers behind this delicious dish! Each serving of this irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet packs a punch with both flavor and nutrition. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
This dish is not only satisfying but also provides a good balance of protein and carbs, making it perfect for a wholesome meal. Enjoy all that creamy goodness without any guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in turkey sausage or even a plant-based option if you’re looking for something lighter or vegetarian. Just make sure it’s cooked through!
What if I don’t have orzo?
No worries! You can substitute with another small pasta like ditalini or even rice. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different grains may require adjustments!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Sure thing! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a quick reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it creamy!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta, this irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet can easily be made gluten-free!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little liquid if needed to maintain creaminess!
Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it! Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
What should I serve with this recipe?
This skillet dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up that creamy deliciousness!
Irresistible Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A delicious and creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet that is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Składniki
- 1 lb chicken sausage
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add chicken sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add orzo and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in heavy cream and add spinach; mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until spinach wilts and orzo is tender.
- Serve hot.
Uwagi
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Skillet
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 550
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 30g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 15g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 50g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Słowa kluczowe: irresistible creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet
