A Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet made in one pan with garlic, spinach, and parmesan. Quick, comforting, and beginner-friendly.
Author:Lucelle
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Skillet
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Scale
1 tbsp olive oil
12 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo, dry
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk or heavy cream
1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach leaves
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the dry orzo and toast it in the pan with the sausage and garlic for about 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then stir in the coconut milk, soy sauce, seasonings, and thyme. Mix well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
If garlic starts browning too quickly, reduce the heat or add orzo sooner.
Stir orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking.
Add a splash of broth when reheating to bring back creaminess.
Substitute spinach with kale or arugula if preferred.
You can use heavy cream or regular milk instead of coconut milk.