If you are craving a comforting dish that combines rich flavors and a cozy creaminess, this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe is a must-try favorite. It brings together tender chicken sausage, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a luscious sauce velvety with Parmesan and cream. Every bite bursts with warmth and savory goodness, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress without fuss. The ease of preparation paired with the depth of taste ensures this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients each work beautifully to create a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors in the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe. From the savory depth of chicken sausage to the fresh pop of green peas, every component makes a delicious difference.
- 8 oz orzo pasta: Small and tender, orzo cooks quickly and soaks up all the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the sausage for extra flavor.
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced: The star protein, bringing savory seasoning and juicy texture.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides a mild sweetness that balances the richness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch that wakes up the palate.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and moistness, enhancing the sauce’s complexity.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the dish irresistibly silky and rich.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Brightens the dish with pops of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, savory finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal note and a pretty garnish touch.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the orzo pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This step ensures the orzo holds its shape and texture without becoming mushy in the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken Sausage
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet, then add the sliced chicken sausage. Cook the sausage until nicely browned on both sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. This browning deepens the flavor of the sausage, giving the dish a satisfying savoriness. Remove the sausage and keep it aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in minced garlic, cooking just another minute until the garlic releases its wonderful aroma without burning. This step builds the fragrant flavor base essential for a rich sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then stir in the heavy cream alongside the frozen peas. Allow the peas to warm through as the sauce slightly thickens, transforming into a luscious and creamy texture that will coat the orzo beautifully later on.
Step 5: Combine Sausage and Orzo
Return the browned chicken sausage to the skillet. Add the drained orzo pasta and mix everything together thoroughly so each bite becomes a harmonious blend of sausage, creamy sauce, and tender orzo.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts perfectly into the sauce, creating a rich and nutty finish. Season the dish generously with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to reach the perfect balance. This final touch elevates the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe from good to unforgettable.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve this creamy delight hot, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley if you like. The parsley adds a lovely herbal brightness and a fresh pop of color that completes the presentation beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brings a welcome freshness and color contrast that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. For an extra touch, a little cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving can make it truly special.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. The balance of creamy and crisp textures makes for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the orzo in individual ramekins or shallow bowls dusted with extra Parmesan. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch that’s sure to impress guests. Alternatively, transfer the dish to a warm baking dish and sprinkle with additional cheese for a baked, bubbly top before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actively develop, making for a delicious meal the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing the container to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, note that the cream-based sauce may change in texture once thawed. If you freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve the creaminess as much as possible.
Reheating
When reheating, use medium-low heat on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream helps loosen the sauce and keeps the textures creamy and smooth. Avoid overheating to prevent curdling of the dairy-based sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken sausage keeps the dish lighter, Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a spicy chorizo can be delicious substitutes depending on your taste preferences.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream and Parmesan for dairy-free alternatives such as coconut cream and vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor profile but still yield a creamy result.
Can I add more vegetables to the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini during the sauté step for a heartier and more colorful meal.
How can I make this recipe quicker?
Using pre-cooked or pre-grilled sausage can shave off some time, and cooking the orzo in a microwave-safe bowl can reduce cook time. Having ingredients prepped beforehand also speeds up the process.
What can I substitute for orzo pasta?
You can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even couscous if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta type to maintain the right texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe is truly one of those dishes that warms your heart and satisfies your craving for something rich, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s wonderfully simple to prepare yet feels delightfully indulgent — perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself after a long day. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved part of your recipe collection!
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Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked to perfection and combined with browned chicken sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, creamy heavy cream, sweet peas, and rich Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy-to-make skillet recipe with a luscious sauce that makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Orzo and Sausage
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquids and Cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Brown the Chicken Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, remove from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent and softened, around 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas, cooking until the peas are heated through and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Combine Sausage and Orzo: Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet. Add the drained orzo pasta and gently stir to combine all the ingredients and evenly coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, giving it a rich, creamy texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken sausage orzo hot, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy chicken sausage depending on your heat preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh peas can be used instead of frozen if in season.
- Parmesan cheese can be replaced or supplemented with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- To make it gluten free, use gluten-free orzo pasta or substitute with rice or quinoa.
