Description
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a quick and flavorful one-pan dish featuring spicy Italian chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce made with coconut milk and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with spinach and aromatics, this 25-minute meal offers a perfect balance of spice and creaminess for a satisfying dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 12 oz (340 g) spicy Italian chicken sausage, casing removed if preferred
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 cup (170 g) dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) coconut milk
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tsp (2.3 g) onion powder
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) salt
- 1 tsp (1 g) fresh or dried thyme
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage and Garlic: Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the spicy Italian chicken sausage, cooking and stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Toast the Orzo: Add dry orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir constantly and toast the orzo for approximately 60 seconds until it lightly browns, absorbing the flavors of the sausage and garlic. Be attentive to avoid burning.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in low sodium chicken broth, stirring and scraping up any browned bits to deglaze the pan. Incorporate coconut milk, soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Orzo: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed, resulting in a creamy texture.
- Finish with Spinach and Cheese: Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Mix in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired before serving.
Notes
- Remove sausage casing if you prefer a finer texture.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent orzo from sticking to the skillet.
- You can substitute coconut milk with heavy cream for a richer flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice for a gluten-free version.
- This dish stores well and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
