Description
A quick and flavorful one-pan recipe featuring Italian chicken sausage, tender orzo, and a creamy spinach Parmesan finish. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
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
Garnishes
- Crushed red pepper for serving (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the pan, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Cook Chicken Sausage: Add the 1-inch chunks of mild Italian chicken sausage to the skillet. Saute for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sausage pieces are golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
- Toast Orzo: Add 2 cups of dry orzo to the skillet with the cooked sausage and aromatics. Toss for about 1 minute to lightly toast the orzo, which enhances its nutty flavor.
- Simmer Orzo: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth along with ½ cup canned full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream. Season with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish Dish: Stir in 5 ounces of baby spinach and ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese. Mix gently until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, creating a creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Spoon onto plates, and if desired, sprinkle with extra parmesan, crushed red pepper for a touch of heat, and fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Notes
- You can substitute mild Italian chicken sausage with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a different protein option.
- Using chicken bone broth adds extra depth of flavor but regular chicken broth works just as well.
- For a dairy-free option, stick to canned coconut milk and omit the parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and re-heated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
