Description
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a one-pan meal that combines tender chicken sausage, creamy coconut milk, and fluffy orzo for a comforting and convenient dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounce spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo, dry
- 2 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cup baby spinach leaves
Instructions
1. Start by drizzling the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Once the sausage is ready, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Next, add the dry orzo to the skillet and toast it along with the sausage and garlic for about 60 seconds. This helps to bring out the nutty flavor of the orzo. Then, pour in the chicken broth, coconut milk, soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Give everything a good stir to combine.
3. Bring the orzo mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the orzo to become tender and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
4. Once the orzo is cooked through, stir in the fresh baby spinach leaves until they’ve wilted. Then, sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and give everything a final stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Notes
To make the dish even healthier, consider using a leaner turkey sausage instead of the Italian chicken sausage, or substituting low-fat or plant-based milk for the coconut milk. Additionally, you could increase the amount of vegetables, such as sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms, to boost the nutrient content further.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 39
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 50