Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet comes together in just one pan for easy cleanup and maximum comfort. Every bite is packed with golden chicken sausage, tender orzo that soaks up a rich sauce, and pops of bright peas. If you crave a meal that is satisfying and ready fast without sacrificing flavor, this has become a weeknight hero in my kitchen.

My family never leaves leftovers when I make this skillet. I started cooking it when we needed fast comfort food after a long day and it has become the dish I reach for whenever friends come over unexpectedly.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken sausage: Brings a deep savory flavor that plays beautifully with the creamy sauce choose a sausage with fresh herbs or garlic for extra flavor
• Orzo pasta: Cooks quickly and turns silky as it absorbs the sauce look for orzo that feels firm and unbroken in the bag
• Garlic: Fresh cloves punch up the sauce and give it a strong aromatic base
• Shallot or onion: Adds sweetness and body to the sauce pick ones with tight skin that feel heavy for their size
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Makes everything taste richer and lets you control the salt level use a good-quality boxed or homemade broth when possible
• Heavy cream: Creates the decadent texture that makes the dish so cozy one with a high milk fat gives the best results
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty nutty sharpness grate it fresh for max flavor
• Frozen green peas: Give a sweet pop of color and balance the richness use ones that are bright green and separate easily in the bag
• Fresh thyme or Italian seasoning: Brings a fresh herbal hit to round out all the flavors
• Salt and black pepper: Let you season to taste always choose freshly cracked black pepper for the best finish
• Olive oil or butter: Gets everything golden and fragrant a good olive oil or real butter makes all the difference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Chicken Sausage:

Cook the sliced chicken sausage in hot olive oil or butter over medium-high heat until both sides are caramelized and browned. This step develops deep savory flavor as the sausage crisps up. Remove sausage and set aside while you build the sauce base.

Sauté Aromatics:

Add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot or onion to the same skillet. Sauté on medium heat for two to three minutes until they are soft and releasing a delicious aroma. Stir often to keep anything from sticking.

Toast the Orzo:

Add orzo to the pan with the aromatics. Stir constantly for one to two minutes until it just starts to pick up a slight golden color. Toasting the orzo brings out its natural nuttiness.

Simmer with Liquid:

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook uncovered about ten minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking as the orzo becomes creamy and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Add Finishers:

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese frozen green peas and the browned sausage. Keep cooking for another two or three minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. The cheese will melt and blend into the sauce while the peas stay bright and tender.

Final Seasoning and Serve:

Season with salt black pepper and the fresh thyme or Italian seasoning. Give it one last good stir and dish it up while piping hot.

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Orzo is my favorite for its silky texture that soaks up every drop of sauce. I will never forget making a huge batch once for a snowed-in family dinner. Seeing everyone gathered around the table made this recipe a forever favorite for us.

Storage Tips

Once cooled pack leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. This skillet reheats well in the microwave or gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in turkey sausage or plant-based sausage to suit your taste or dietary needs. If you do not have heavy cream whole milk with a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt added at the end works as a lighter stand-in. Fresh spinach can be stirred in alongside or instead of peas for a leafy green boost.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet is a full meal on its own but I love adding a crisp green salad or garlicky bread on the side. Try serving with a squeeze of fresh lemon and extra parmesan at the table for even more brightness.

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Cultural Context

Orzo is a pasta shaped like large grains of rice and is beloved in Mediterranean cuisine. It cooks quickly and is a staple in both Italian and Greek households for hearty one-pan meals. This skillet is a nod to classic pasta and sausage dinners but with creamy comfort you might find in an Italian trattoria.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I ensure the orzo doesn't stick together?

To prevent sticking, stir the orzo frequently while it cooks in the skillet. Adding enough liquid and monitoring the heat also helps achieve perfect texture.

→ Can I substitute chicken sausage with another protein?

Yes, you can replace the chicken sausage with turkey sausage, smoked sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken to suit your preference.

→ What if I don't have heavy cream on hand?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a little butter. Keep in mind, this might slightly affect the creaminess of the dish.

→ Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, use plant-based sausage or add mushrooms for a meaty texture. Substitute chicken broth with vegetable stock for a meat-free option.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream while reheating to maintain its luscious texture.

→ What side dishes pair well with this skillet meal?

A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty garlic bread make excellent accompaniments to this dish.