Quick Creamy Chicken Orzo

This creamy chicken sausage orzo has become my weeknight dinner hero when I need something comforting yet quick. The one-pan approach means minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor in every spoonful of this creamy, savory dish.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something substantial but had zero energy for complicated cooking. My family was so impressed they requested it three times the following week, and it has been in our regular rotation ever since.

Ingredients

• Chicken sausage: Sliced into rounds provides savory flavor without the work of cooking raw meat. Choose precooked varieties with complementary flavors like apple, feta, or garlic herb.
• Orzo pasta: Creates the perfect foundation with its rice like texture that absorbs flavors beautifully. Look for quality brands that hold their shape when cooked.
• Heavy cream: Transforms the dish into something luxurious. For a lighter version, Greek yogurt works wonderfully.
• Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful cooking liquid. Use low sodium to control salt levels.
• Dried thyme and paprika: Create a simple but effective seasoning base. Fresh thyme works too if you have it.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create the creamy sauce. Choose sharp varieties for more pronounced flavor.
• Onion and garlic: Form the aromatic base. Fresh is always best for maximum flavor impact.

How To Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Brown the sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering then add your sliced chicken sausage. Cook for a full 3 to 5 minutes until you see golden brown edges forming. This initial browning creates flavor compounds that elevate the entire dish. Remove the sausage to prevent overcooking while you prepare the base.

Create the flavor foundation:

In the same pan with all those wonderful sausage bits, add your chopped onion and cook until they become translucent and slightly golden around the edges. Add garlic only for the final 30 seconds to prevent burning which would create bitterness. The sausage drippings infuse the aromatics with incredible flavor.

Toast and simmer the orzo:

Add dry orzo directly to the pan and stir constantly for a full minute. This toasting step creates a nutty undertone and helps the pasta maintain texture during cooking. Pour in chicken broth while scraping the pan bottom vigorously to incorporate all the flavor bits. Season with thyme, paprika, salt and pepper then simmer for the full 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Create the creamy sauce:

Reduce heat to low before adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and silky. Return the browned sausage to the pan and fold everything together gently. This is the moment to add any optional ingredients like spinach which will wilt perfectly in the residual heat.

Finish and garnish:

Remove from heat completely before adding fresh herbs and final seasonings. The fresh parsley and lemon zest add brightness that balances the rich, creamy elements. A final sprinkle of cheese on top creates an appetizing presentation.

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My absolute favorite version of this dish includes sun dried tomatoes and a handful of baby spinach added at the end. The first time I made it this way was for a casual dinner with friends, and one guest was so enthusiastic he asked for the recipe before dessert was even served.

Storage Tips

This orzo dish maintains its creaminess surprisingly well when stored properly. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to revive the creamy texture as the pasta will continue absorbing liquid while stored. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop rather than microwave to prevent the sauce from separating.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Switch chicken sausage for Italian sausage or even sliced chicken breast. Vegetarians can substitute plant based sausage and vegetable broth. The cream can be replaced with coconut milk for a dairy free version with a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with curry powder instead of thyme. For a Mediterranean spin, use feta instead of cheddar and add kalamata olives and artichoke hearts.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy orzo works beautifully as a main dish with a simple green salad on the side. For a more substantial meal, serve smaller portions as a side with roasted chicken or grilled fish. A crusty bread for sauce sopping is always appreciated. For wine pairing, choose a medium bodied white like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay that complements the creamy texture without overwhelming the dish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can use any pre-cooked sausage variety, such as turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage, to suit your preferences.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or rice of your choice.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use Greek yogurt or light cream as a substitute for heavy cream for a lighter version of the dish.

→ How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Consider stirring in spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes during the final steps of the recipe for added nutrition and flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to bring back the creamy texture.