If you're like me, you like a comforting, quick, and nourishing dinner that doesn't leave a mountain of dishes in the sink. That's why this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a game changer. Made with clean, wholesome ingredients, this creamy, protein-packed meal is ready in under 30-minutes!
Being a busy mom of 4, those quick and healthy weeknight meals are always the easiest for me and my family. Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is perfect for those busy weeknights. From start to finish, this meal probably took me a whole 20 minutes.
If you're looking for more easy healthy weeknight dinner ideas that include chicken sausage, then you must try my Chicken Sausage Pasta!
Table of contents
Ingredients for this meal
Here is a list of the ingredients needed to make this dish with descriptions of each.
- All Natural "Thin Trim" Italian chicken sausage - cut into bite-sized pieces. I prefer this brand because it's made with lean, minimally processed chicken.
- garlic cloves - minced, provide a fresh, complex flavor.
- olive oil - adds flavor and creates a desirable texture.
- oregano - provides a warm herbal flavor.
- basil - adds a refreshing, sweet, and aromatic flavor.
- frozen spinach - thawed, I prefer using frozen spinach that has been thawed for its ability to melt into the dish for a creamy texture.
- low-sodium chicken broth - I like using low or no-sodium so that I can control the amount of salt going into the dish.
- orzo - the small rice-like shape allows it to absorb the flavors and creates a creamy, risotto-like sauce.
- parmesan cheese - adds a salty savory flavor and a creamy and slightly binding texture.
- half and half - enhances the creamy texture without the added fat of the heavy cream.
How to make this easy dish
Step-by-step directions for making easy creamy chicken sausage pasta!
Step 1 - First, heat oil and garlic in a large non-stick skillet or a cast-iron skillet (my fave kind of skillet ). If you need a recommendation, I've linked the one I use here. Cast Iron Skillet.
Step 2 - Stir in chicken sausage slices and cook until browned. Add more olive oil here if needed.
Step 3 - Then add broth and orzo. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender. Stirring often so it doesn't stick to the bottom.
Step 4 - Stir in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Step 5 - Stir in half and half and spinach, and cook until mixed through and heated.
Step 6 - Top with parmesan cheese, and more salt and pepper, if desired, and stir to combine. Serve immediately and top with more cheese if you please!
Substitutions and Variations
Italian Chicken Sausage - you can always swap out the chicken sausage for ground turkey or even ground beef.
Frozen Spinach - you can use fresh spinach or even canned spinach in place of the frozen.
Chicken Broth - in place of chicken broth, you can also use vegetable, turkey, or beef broth.
Tips and FAQ's
Yes! The cream can be swapped out for a plant-based milk, and the cheese can either be omitted or substituted for nutritional yeast to keep the cheesey flavor.
I prefer using whole-wheat orzo for the added fiber.
This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
More healthy pasta dish you will also LOVE
If you give this dish a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Equipment
- cast iron skillet
- cutting board
- paring knife
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 10 oz. All Natural "Thin Trim" Italian chicken sausage casings removed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp. oregano
- 1 tsp. basil
- 1 10 oz. pkg. frozen spinach thawed
- 4 cups (32 oz. container) low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups (1 lb. box) orzo
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp salt add more until desired taste
- 1 tsp ground black pepper add more unti ldesired taste
- ½ cup half and half
Instructions
- Step 1 - First, heat oil and garlic in a large non-stick skillet or a cast-iron skillet (my fave kind of skillet ). If you need a recommendation, I've linked the one I use here. Cast Iron Skillet.
- Step 2 - Stir in chicken sausage slices and cook until browned. Add more olive oil here if needed.
- Step 3 - Then add broth and orzo. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender. Stirring often so it doesn't stick to the bottom.
- Step 4 - Stir in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Step 5 - Stir in half and half and spinach, and cook until mixed through and heated.
- Step 6 - Top with parmesan cheese, and more salt and pepper, if desired, and stir to combine. Serve immediately and top with more cheese if you please!
Notes
- Have the kids measure out all the ingredients while you're adding them to your dish. A fun hidden math lesson.
- With assistance of course, help them pour the ingredients into the pan.
Nutrition
Jillian is the creator of Jillian's Healthful Eats. She is the one who cooks all the meals, develops all the recipes, takes all the photographs, and washes all the dishes! She is a very busy wife and mother of 4 who enjoys cooking with her children and instilling in them her love for health and nutrition!
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