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Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

A creamy and easy one-pan chicken sausage orzo recipe made with tender pasta, juicy sausage, fresh vegetables, and Parmesan cheese. A simple comfort meal ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 oz chicken sausage sliced
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chicken sausage and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, cook onion until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Add orzo and stir well. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast.
  4. Pour in chicken broth. Add seasoning. Simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  5. Return sausage to pan. Add cherry tomatoes and stir gently.
  6. Add spinach and stir until wilted. Mix in Parmesan cheese until creamy.

Notes

  • Use fully cooked chicken sausage for the easiest and fastest prep.
  • Stir the orzo often while simmering to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • If the orzo absorbs liquid too quickly before becoming tender, add an extra splash of warm broth, about 1/4 cup at a time.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and gives a creamier texture than pre-shredded cheese.
  • The dish will continue to thicken as it sits. Add a little broth before serving if a looser texture is preferred.
  • Taste before serving and adjust salt as needed, since different broths and sausages can vary in saltiness.