Description
Rustic chicken sausage orzo skillet brings Mediterranean comfort to dinner tables with bold flavors. Simple ingredients combine in one pan, creating a satisfying meal you can enjoy quickly and easily.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 Italian chicken sausage links (fully cooked, sliced)
- 2 tbsps (30 mL) olive oil
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups (480 mL) low-sodium chicken broth (plus more as needed)
- 1 cup (240 mL) heavy cream
- ⅓ cup crushed tomatoes (or jarred marinara sauce)
- ⅓ cup jarred roasted red peppers (chopped)
- ½ yellow onion (diced)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup baby spinach (chopped)
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Sear Sausage: Heat skillet on medium, coat with olive oil. Arrange chicken sausage slices to caramelize, developing golden-brown edges for 5-7 minutes until richly colored and slightly crisp.
- Develop Base: Remove sausage, retain skillet’s flavorful residue. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, creating an aromatic foundation that infuses deep, savory undertones.
- Toast and Season: Introduce orzo, toasting until pearlescent. Incorporate roasted red peppers, paprika, Italian seasoning, and spice blend. Stir thoroughly to distribute flavors and enhance complexity.
- Simmer Grains: Pour chicken broth over orzo mixture. Reduce heat, allowing grains to absorb liquid gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking until orzo reaches al dente texture.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Blend heavy cream and crushed tomatoes into the skillet, transforming the dish into a luxurious, silky composition. Fold spinach into the mixture, letting leaves wilt and meld seamlessly with the creamy base.
- Final Assembly: Return sausage to skillet, integrating all components. Brighten with a zesty lemon juice splash. Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese, creating a rich, harmonious one-pan meal ready to serve.
Notes
- Sausage Searing Technique: Brown chicken sausage thoroughly for maximum flavor depth, ensuring each slice develops a crispy caramelized exterior without burning.
- Orzo Toasting Tip: Lightly toast orzo before adding liquid to enhance its nutty undertones and prevent a mushy texture, stirring frequently to avoid scorching.
- Liquid Absorption Trick: Monitor orzo’s liquid ratio carefully; adjust chicken broth slightly if mixture becomes too dry during simmering to maintain creamy consistency.
- Spinach Wilting Strategy: Add spinach last and remove from heat quickly to preserve its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, maintaining fresh nutritional integrity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg