One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo
User Reviews
5
One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo
Description
One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo is a hearty dish featuring chunks of Italian chicken sausage cooked with aromatic onions and garlic, then combined with orzo pasta simmered in flavorful chicken broth enriched with coconut milk. The orzo soaks up the savory liquids and Italian seasoning during cooking, resulting in a creamy consistency without the need for separate sauce preparation.
The addition of fresh baby spinach and freshly grated Parmesan at the end provides an earthy contrast and a cheesy finish to balance the sausage's richness. Cooking everything in one pan simplifies the process and concentrates the flavors.
This dish serves well as a standalone meal, pairing the protein-packed sausage with pasta and greens for balance. Garnishes like crushed red pepper and fresh basil add brightness and optional heat to customize each serving.
Leftovers should be stored airtight in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess, or use short microwave bursts. Adding fresh spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving revitalizes the flavors and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 oz package Italian chicken sausage 4 sausages, cut into 1” chunks (I used the Whole Foods brand, mild
- 2 cups orzo dry
- 4 cups chicken broth or chicken bone broth for more protein
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream, canned full fat
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 5 oz baby spinach
- crushed red pepper for serving (optional)
- basil for garnish, fresh
Instructions
- Add oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot add onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Add chicken sausage into the pan and saute for another 5-6 minutes or until golden.
- Add orzo to the pan and toss for 1 minute to toast and then add the chicken broth, coconut milk, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Bring the orzo to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until orzo is cooked.
- Add spinach and parmesan. Mix well until spinach is wilted and parmesan has melted. Serve with extra parmesan cheese, fresh basil and crushed red pepper, if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the dish.
- Microwave reheating can be done in 30-second intervals, stirring until warm.
- Boost freshness when serving leftovers by adding fresh spinach and more Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 657 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 657kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 39g | 13% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 97mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 1512mg | 63% |
| Potassium | 377mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.