Description
This One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo recipe is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender Italian chicken sausage, aromatic garlic and onions, creamy coconut milk, and fresh baby spinach, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. The combination of orzo pasta and savory Parmesan cheese creates a comforting, hearty dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 12 oz package mild Italian Chicken sausage (4 sausages), cut into 1” chunks
- 2 cups dry orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth or chicken bone broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup canned full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
- 5 oz baby spinach
For Serving
- Crushed red pepper (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes while stirring frequently until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Cook Sausage: Add the chicken sausage chunks to the pan and sauté for 5-6 minutes until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
- Toast Orzo and Add Liquids: Stir in the dry orzo and cook for about 1 minute to toast it slightly. Then pour in chicken broth, coconut milk, sea salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish with Spinach and Parmesan: Stir in the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the creamy orzo mixture.
- Serve: Plate the dish and optionally top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it meat-free if desired, but omit chicken sausage and adjust accordingly.
- Using full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness, but heavy cream can be used for richer taste.
- Keep an eye on the liquid while simmering, adding a little water or broth if the orzo looks dry before fully cooked.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the broth and let it reduce slightly.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.
